The book of Lamentations (found in the Old Testament) is believed to have been written by the prophet Jeremiah after the Babylonians destroyed Israel around 580 BC. As the name of the book suggests, it contains lamentations, or expressions of grief, over what had happened to the Holy City and the temple. In the middle of the book, chapter 3, we find this incredibly beautiful, hope-filled passage that many Christians have clung to during difficult or uncertain times. As we read this passage of scripture, I think it’s important to remember the circumstances under which it was written. Even in the midst of the most heartbreaking times, we can put our hope in the Lord, because He is faithful!

“Remember my affliction and my wanderings,

the wormwood and the bitterness.
I continually remember them
and have become depressed.
Yet I call this to mind,
and therefore I have hope:

Because of the Lord’s faithful love
we do not perish,
for His mercies never end.
They are new every morning;
great is Your faithfulness!
I say: The Lord is my portion,
therefore I will put my hope in Him.

“The Lord is good to those who wait for Him,
to the person who seeks Him.
It is good to wait quietly
for deliverance from the Lord.
It is good for a man to bear the yoke
while he is still young.

“Let him sit alone and be silent,
for God has disciplined him.
Let him put his mouth in the dust—
perhaps there is still hope.
Let him offer his cheek
to the one who would strike him;
let him be filled with shame.

“For the Lord
will not reject us forever.
Even if He causes suffering,
He will show compassion
according to His abundant, faithful love.
For He does not enjoy bringing affliction
or suffering on mankind.”

Lamentations 3:19-33

This post is dedicated to each of my family members and friends and the many others who struggle with chronic health issues of some nature. You are loved and remembered!