Day 155 – Lamentations: Theme

“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.” Lamentations 3:22 NIV

Jeremiah’s two books primarily focus on one event: the destruction of Jerusalem. The book of Jeremiah predicts it, and the book of Lamentations is a reflection on the events. Recognised as the book of tears, Lamentations is a dirge, a funeral song written for the fallen city of Jerusalem and a disobedient nation scattered.

What makes a person cry says a lot about that person, particularly whether they are self-centred or God-centred. Lamentations allow us to see what made Jeremiah sorrowful. As one of God’s chosen servants, he stood alone in the depths of his emotions, broken by his care for the people, his love for the nation, and his devotion to God.

What causes your tears? Do you weep because your selfish pride has been wounded or because the people around you lead sinful lives and reject the God who loves them dearly? Do you weep because you have lost something of value or because people around you will suffer for their sinfulness? Our world is filled with injustice, poverty, war, and rebellion against God, all of which should move us to tears and to action. Whilst studying Lamentations, learn what it means to grieve with God.

Prayer: Father, thank You for giving us an entire book to understand what grieves Your heart, and we can grieve with You. Allow us to understand the emotions of deep sorrow and grief, and to align our hearts to be God-centred and mourn for the eternal implications of those who do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ. Amen.