In this chapter of Lamentations, we see the great prophet Jeremiah referring to his own experience with great afflictions, not in a sense to say “woe is me,” or to say “look at all I'm going through this season.” But rather he expresses his afflictions as an example for how the people of Judah should respond and how we can respond when we are going through difficult times. Jeremiah demonstrates to us the spirit of hope, restoration, and victory in Christ.

We see Jeremiah’s tone change from despair and darkness to hope and light in Lamentations 3:21: “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope.” From this and the proceeding verses, we are taught that those who trust in the Lord will have their strength renewed and are given new hope for their situation.  We know that in our troubles and tough times, God is faithful and will not forsake His people forever. Every morning that we wake up is a blessing of fresh hope from God. Fresh mercies made available to us to help us overcome our troubles and hurt.  God shows us that His mercy, grace, and compassion are new and available to us each day.

When our confident hope is anchored in Christ, we can face any situation, knowing we have the Creator renewing and equipping us daily. No matter the problem you face today, God’s new mercies are accompanying you every day on your faith journey.

Lamentations 3:16-27

16 He has broken my teeth with gravel;

    he has trampled me in the dust.

17 I have been deprived of peace;

    I have forgotten what prosperity is.

18 So I say, “My splendor is gone

    and all that I had hoped from the Lord.”

19 I remember my affliction and my wandering,

    the bitterness and the gall.

20 I well remember them,

    and my soul is downcast within me.

21 Yet this I call to mind

    and therefore I have hope:

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

    for his compassions never fail.

23 They are new every morning;

    great is your faithfulness.

24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;

    therefore I will wait for him.”

25 The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,

    to the one who seeks him;

26 it is good to wait quietly

    for the salvation of the Lord.

27 It is good for a man to bear the yoke

    while he is young.