Jeremiah is known as the weeping prophet, as he wished his eyes could be a “fountain of tears” to cry over God’s judgment on his sinful people (Jeremiah 9:1). Though time and again God had called them to repent, their rebellion brought down the painful punishment for sin. In the Book of Lamentations chapter 3, Jeremiah writes of the utter despair he felt in witnessing Jerusalem being destroyed. He seems to contrast the judgement of God with the peace one feels when the Lord is your Shepherd: “I am the man who has seen affliction under the rod of his wrath (no comfort here); he has driven and brought me into darkness without any light (no green pastures or still waters); surely against me he turns his hand again and again the whole day long (no goodness or mercy).” He feels like he can’t take anymore (3:18), he is hopeless and depressed (3:20). But that’s not the end of the story. This time of sorrow will not last forever. There is a greater reality for those who seek the Lord (3:25). Jeremiah says, “this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:” (what do you call to mind, Jeremiah? What gives you hope when you feel hopeless?). He tells us: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in Him’” (3:22-24). Weeping prophet? Here he is weeping for joy! God’s steadfast love never stops coming at me. Every day is a new day flooded with new mercy. God’s faithfulness is abundant and overflowing. The Lord Himself is all I will ever need. “Therefore,” we do have hope. It is in Him.
Indian River Baptist Church
