Lamentations 3:55-57

New International Version

I called on your name, Lord,
    from the depths of the pit.
You heard my plea: “Do not close your ears
    to my cry for relief.”
You came near when I called you,
    and you said, “Do not fear.”

For Encouragement

Jeremiah grieved over Judah’s condition and Jerusalem’s devastation after Nebuchadnezzar’s storm had passed through the land. The chaos and the misery were heart-wrenching. God had done what He said He would do if His people continued their disobedience and rejection. The prophet had hope. He trusted in the loyal love and faithfulness of the Lord that refreshes His children after His discipline. Grief and weeping may stay with us for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. We can be sure of this certainty because the anger of the Lord lasts only a moment, but His favor is enduring (Psalm 30:5).

So, Jeremiah uses his testimony to God’s mercy and deliverance to comfort his people—the same people who had oppressed him for speaking the truth to them.

Jeremiah’s family and people had maliciously turned against him and hunted him like a prey. They threw him into a cistern (Jeremiah 38:1-6), wishing his death. He called to the Lord in his anguish (Lamentation 3:52-55).

The Lord heard his call for relief and drew close to him. Tenderly, God encouraged him not to fear. The Judge of all the earth, who always does what is right, took up Jeremiah’s case and upheld his cause, noting the depth of his enemies’ oppression, their wicked plot, insults, whispers, and mockery (56-63). Therefore, as God delivered Jeremiah, so will He do for His covenant people.

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

    for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;

    great is your faithfulness (22-23).

That was Jeremiah’s hope and encouragement for Judah; the same grace holds up hope and assurance for Christians today. He may crush us for a moment. Our Father may allow our oppression but still uphold us against the oppressor. It does not mean He hates us when He allows suffering in our lives. His discipline is the expression of His love and, ultimately, for his glory. God’s steadfast love and faithfulness still attend us when our enemies do their worst. That is why we stand tall and strong after the storm.

So, just cry to the Lord in your anguish and wait upon him for His great deliverance, and O, how beautiful it is when our conquering King shows up in His time.

David wrote many times about this assurance in Jesus in the face of affliction. Psalm 34 is one of those praise songs.

I will extol the Lord at all times;

    his praise will always be on my lips.

I will glory in the Lord;

    let the afflicted hear and rejoice.

Glorify the Lord with me;

    let us exalt his name together.

I sought the Lord, and he answered me;

    he delivered me from all my fears.

Those who look to him are radiant;

    their faces are never covered with shame.

This poor man called, and the Lord heard him;

    he saved him out of all his troubles.

The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,

    and he delivers them (1-7).

Is this the God you serve—the One who saved you from your sins in His Son? And you dare think he cannot deliver you from your distress?

Come on! Praise the Lord with all you’ve got, and go on into the weekend, worshipping Him with profuse joy.

Pray With Me

Father, we praise you. Lord Jesus, we adore you. Holy Spirit, we honor you. There is no one deserving of our praise but you. Your covenant love and faithfulness refresh us after each storm, and your glory strengthens us. Thank you for this victory and every other, today, and forever in the matchless name of Christ Jesus. Amen!