— Bible Study, Christian Living —

Be Not Consumed: What Lamenting Looks Like

How deserted lies the city,

once so full of people!

Bitterly she weeps at night…

there is no one to comfort her.  Lamentations 1:1-2

As the heart cries, there’s an attempt to reflect upon the meaning of human suffering. We cry out to God for mercy, and we search for comfort to come. People look for a reprieve, a promise from long ago. Sins are being punished and lives are turned upside down.

Arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin;

pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord.

Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your children,

who faint from hunger at every street corner. 2:19

As the people of God remembered who they once were, they continued in their mournful cries to the Lord. Jeremiah prompted them to maintain their laments and turn back to their Creator. Their crisis of faith is our crisis of faith. As they were called to seek help from the Lord, we are called to do the same.

In the desolate places there will be dancing and rejoicing. There will be fulfillment. God will cause the righteous branch to return and spring forth for His final return. A promise for all will find its final realization.

We can look past the coming destruction to the promises of life everlasting. Hope should not be lost in these confusing days. As Jesus came for humanity as a baby, He will return as the final bridegroom to celebrate with His his bride, the church.

Hope and promises will be realized.

The Lord Our Righteous Savior will bring us home soon. He is preparing a place for us in his long-suffering love. In the meantime, our laments are heard. Our cries are not ignored. Our hearts can have hope. Bitterness can melt away.

I remember my affliction and my wandering,

   the bitterness and the gall.

I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me.

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope.

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,

   for His compassions never fail.

They are new every morning,

   great is Your faithfulness.

I say to myself,

   “The LORD is my portion;

therefore I will wait for Him.”

The LORD is good to those whose hope is in Him. 3:19-25

Jeremiah took ownership of his suffering. He was tempted to be bitter, but instead turned to the Lord, praising Him. We can be reminded of his words and know that the Lord is always faithful despite our failings and sins.

Hope should not be lost in these confusing days. As Jesus came for humanity as a baby, He will return as the final bridegroom to celebrate with His his bride, the church. Click To Tweet

Lamentations is written so that we are also encouraged to pursue the Lord even when our souls feel bankrupt. We can suffer greatly and hang on to faith. We must not abandon the truth. Because of God’s great love, we are not consumed.

 

8 thoughts on “Be Not Consumed: What Lamenting Looks Like”

  1. I really appreciate this insight! Our pastor walked us through a study on lamenting this summer, and I’ve been thinking of his words often. As always, you are challenging me in the very best way here!

  3. This is exactly the encouragement I needed today. Have been feeling so burdened in my grief and prayer an waiting. Thank you.

  4. So glad we are neighbors at “Inspire Me Monday”, Maryann. Otherwise I may have missed this beautiful piece. I’ve always turned to Lamentations during times of lament and grief. Especially, chapter 3. We often relate to Jeremiah’s burdened soul and downcast spirit. BUT, when we REMEMBER, then we have hope in the Lord’s mercy and love and promises.

    1. Yes, I agree. Jeremiah truly brings us back to the hope that we have in the Lord.

  5. This was the message at church today. Its great to be reminded again how we can lament but also learn how to lean on God.

  6. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and insight. Lamenting is something I’ve been thinking about and your words have given me much to ponder once again, Maryann.

Join the conversation