The fallenness of humanity and the depravitof sin are just as deadly and real today as they were back then. Buthe good news is that darkness is not the only thing that has enduredthrough the years. - P90
Our God is just as faithful today as He was backthen. The same God who sustained His people through their darkesmoments is the same God who carries us now. - P90
Father, I live in a fallen world among fallen people. As I experience the bro-kenness of our society, it can be very hard to navigate this reality. Empowerme anew by Your Spirit, that I may know how to face each day with hope. InJesus‘ name, amen. - P91
[NIV] 15 Joy is gone from our hearts;our danci g has turned to mourning.
- P92
20 Why do you always forget us? Why do you forsakeus so long? - P93
21 Restore us to yourself, LORD, that we may return;renew our days as of old - P93
The author continues to appeal to God, lamenting the consequences of Israel‘ssins. - P93
All joy is lost, hearts are faint, and Mount Zion is desolate. He calls outto God, who rules forever, and asks Him to remember His people. - P93
He asksthe Lord to restore the people unto Himself so that they may return to Him. - P93
The first verse of this passage sums up the entire book of Lamenta-tions-joy has ceased and dancing has turned into mourning. - P94
At theheart of the people‘s grief is that the crown, which represents the David-ic line, has fallen. - P94
The hope of the Messiah who was to come throughDavid has seemingly been destroyed. It is hard to endure pain when thelight at the end of the tunnel is no longer in sight. - P94
The people fear thatall hope for the future has been lost. However, this is not the end of thestory. God has not abandoned His people. - P94
As He had promised David,
his throne will indeed last forever. - P94
And this promise is not dependenton the successes or failures of His people but on His unchanging char-acter. - P94
In his prayer, the writer looks to the only One who can save. He asksthat God‘s people be restored unto Him. - P94
He knows that God needs toinitiate and carry out their restoration if they are to have any chanceat being healed. The book ends rather ambiguously, with no certaintyabout whether this petition will be granted. Will God restore or reject?
- P94
This is where the saints on this side of the cross have the advantage. Wehave seen this petition answered in Jesus Christ, who has taken our sinupon Himself. - P94
We are not left hanging in ambiguity. We can confident-ly declare that God does not reject or remain angry with us; He has sentus His Son and welcomes us unto Himself. - P94
Father, You have proven Your love for us in that while we were still sinners, Yousent Your Son to die for us. - P95
May I always remember this as the measure of Yourlove. And as I gaze upon this truth, may faith arise. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P95
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