Afflictions Will Pass

O. T. #1844 "Afflictions Will Pass"

Dec. 21, 2020

Lamentations 3-Part 3

For the LORD will not cast off for ever: But though He cause grief, yet will He have compassion according to the multitude of His mercies. For He doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men. (verses 31-33)

LET IT GLOW

When we are in deep waters of affliction, remember it will pass.  

Here are three certainties of comfort for the afflicted according to Liberty Bible Commentary:

1. There will be an end to the sorrow. (verse 31)
2. God shows compassion according to the fullness of grace. (verse 32)
3. God does not delight to send sorrow and pain to His children, but chastisement is a necessary part of spiritual growth. (verse 33)

Is our hope in God? Putting our hope in God isn't passive but active. Those who hope in God wait for Him, seek Him, and receive His discipline. Jeremiah knew God's covenant of love; he knew God would not reject His people forever. Although He causes suffering if necessary, He will show compassion according to the abundance of His faithful love. (The Tony Evans Bible Commentary)

The Hebrew word for mercies is used about 250 times in the OT. It refers to God's gracious love. It is compasses love, grace, mercy, goodness, forgiveness, truth, compassion, and faithfulness. His incredible faithfulness always endured so that Judah would not be destroyed forever. (Malachi 3:6) The bedrock of faith is the reality that God keeps all His promises according to His truthful, faithful character. (The MacArthur Bible Commentary)

LET IT GROW

Verse 40-41 says, Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD. Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.

We should endure suffering patiently and without protest, since nothing can happen to us without God's knowledge, according to Romans 8:28. Do we complain when punishment comes due to our sins? Should-a hard thing to do isn't it?

Search and try our ways, thus returning to Jesus. We are to hope in God's mercy.  

LET IT GO

After repentance, let us praise our God who shows mercy to us sinners.

Lift up our heart with our hands unto our God.