Sacred Space- June 21, 2021

Lamentations 3:21-32

Context

Church tradition says Jeremiah is the author of Lamentations based on its writing style and content; however, the text itself doesn't say. We do know that it's written when the Babylonians captured Judah. It is not a pretty time in Jewish history. Judah had turned away from God, and after quite a few warnings, the Lord gave them a severe consequence for their behavior.

I have the absolute best toddler grandson, and although, it is super difficult for this grammy to believe, he is a little naughty at times. So, my daughter and son-in-law give him consequences for not listening. But, first, they say, "do you want a do-over?" One time he threw a toy, and his mom asked, "do you want a do-over?" He said yes, and then he proceeded to pick up a toy and whip it at her. So my daughter escorted him to time out. But as he went, he yelled, "DOOOOOO-OVERRRRRRR."

The book of Lamentations is kind of like that- the prophet is screaming out to God in pain and anguish- lamenting. Judah is living in deep pain and sorrow over their sins and the consequences that followed. God allowed Babylon to seize everything, and Judah is absolutely grieved and desperate.

But often, the verses turn to the realization that God is still good. Just like my daughter is a great parent for setting boundaries, the author realizes in this scripture that God is faithful and good. So, as you read through these verses, remember the context-the Jews are going through trauma- their homes are seized and plundered- it is war-yet their hope is in God's faithfulness for a "do-over!"

Grab a journal and pen! Read through Lamentations 3:21-32 (below) three times and use the following prompts to guide you through each round.

Round 1

Read through the passage out loud if possible.

Look for the who, what, where, how of the passage.

Who is speaking and to whom?

What is happening?

What results?

Do you see a "But," "Then," or "However?" What are these words connecting?

Round 2

Read through the passage out loud if possible.

What verse(s) does Jesus highlight for you? (A verse that sticks out to you as you read, and you feel pulled to stay there awhile and think about it.)

Ask your Father,

What are you saying to me through this verse?

What do you want to show me about myself? You?

Write down whatever comes to your mind- trust that the Holy Spirit speaks through our mind with words and images. We have entered into His sacred space, and He will speak to your heart.

Round 3

Read through the passage out loud if possible.

Ask the Holy Spirit,

How should I respond to this truth today or this week?

How does this change how I think about you, myself, or my neighbor the world?

How do I align with your kingdom knowing this truth?

Lamentations 3:21-32 NLT

21 Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: 22 The faithful love of the Lord never ends![a] His mercies never cease. 23 Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. 24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!” 25 The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. 26 So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord. 27 And it is good for people to submit at an early age to the yoke of his discipline: 28 Let them sit alone in silence beneath the Lord’s demands. 29 Let them lie face down in the dust, for there may be hope at last. 30 Let them turn the other cheek to those who strike them and accept the insults of their enemies. 31 For no one is abandoned by the Lord forever. 32 Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion because of the greatness of his unfailing love.