In a book with the name Lamentations, it is expected to read of much sorrow.  Jeremiah is thought to be the author of these miseries of Jerusalem.  He speaks of how drastically times have changed for the people.  “Jerusalem remembers in the days of her affliction and wandering all the precious things that were hers from days of old. When her people fell into the hand of the foe, and there was none to help her, her foes gloated over her; they mocked at her downfall.” (Lamentations 1:7)  But about half way thru his lamenting, we see a positive turn.  “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:21-23)  Some of these words may be familiar to you from song lyrics that you have been singing.  These words were penned about a time when God’s people had sinned and were suffering greatly.  But they recognized that they had to turn back to and serve Him.  “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”  The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.  It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.” (Lamentations 3:24-26)

Today’s reading: Lamentations 1-2