Lamentations 1-3 Sadness over sin

As we have been walking through the OT prophets we now come to the personal book of Jeremiah (presupposed to be the author). He predicted the fall of Jerusalem, but when it really happens then it is overwhelming grief. This is where we find the author as he pours out his heart in the midst of national suffering recognizing that all the warnings from God have been disregarded. How often does God remind us of His authority and His desire for His people to repent, but pride overrules and now sin’s consequences have fallen. 

With each book we look for lessons to glean for our personal lives, our nations and our religious institutions. Lamentations falls into all those categories. How do you handle overwhelming grief when you realize that it was because of your sin this has occurred? Tears? Mourning cries? Tearing of clothes? What do you do?

The author reminds us that in the times of deep grief we must return to the Lord for His compassion and seek His forgiveness and healing of our heart knowing this is eternally true. “The Lord’s loyal kindness never ceases; his compassions never end, They are fresh every morning; your faithfulness is abundant! “ [Lam 3:22-23]