Abide Together: Reflections on Lamentations 3

In Lamentations 3, Jeremiah laments over the fall of Jerusalem and over the failure of the people to follow after the LORD.  The consequences of sin and the fact that God does not answer Jeremiah’s prayer are not because of Jeremiah’s personal sin, but the consequences of the continued rejection of the LORD by the people as a whole.  Jeremiah calls the people to repent, based on the character of the LORD. His character includes the fact that He is just and must punish sin, however his character also includes what Jeremiah writes in verses 22-23 – “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” In the midst of difficulty and discipline this truth gives hope and assurance that the LORD will faithfully love his people.  LORD, thank You for Your faithfulness and steadfast love for me.  Help me live faithfully and with steadfast love toward You and others.

– Bryan McKenzie