Lamentations chapter three is one of the most moving passages in Scripture. Written by Jeremiah at a time of disaster for the nation of Judah, it describes appalling atrocities. Such was the intense famine in Jerusalem that mothers had even cannibalised their own babies! (2:20). Young and old had died or been slain in the streets (2:21). The city was an object of scorn to all the neighbouring nations (2:15).
Moreover, Jeremiah himself had been virtually ignored by his people. They had thrown his prophecies back in his teeth. He even felt that God had abandoned him. God was no longer listening to his prayers.
In fact, God seemed to be using him for target practice! People were mocking him and his heart was filled with bitterness. ‘I have forgotten what happiness is,’ whispered the prophet. ‘My splendour is gone and all that I had hoped for from the Lord.’
Yet in the midst of all this, a word of hope appears. This is what Jeremiah says —
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 (Lamentations 3:24-26).
In love, faith and hope, Jeremiah is comforted. The one thing that really stands out is his trust in God’s faithfulness.
To read more on this topic see Living in the Image of God, Barry Chant (Miranda: Tabor, 2012 available in eBook and Paperback) from which this edited extract is taken.