Lamentations 3-5

“For the Lord will not cast off forever, but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love” (3:31-32). The author of Lamentations believed that despite the terrible destruction of Jerusalem, the Lord would bring someday about healing and restoration. Now, seeing the violence and pain of war, the famine and chaos, the author declared, “I have forgotten what happiness is” (3:17). Yet “I have hope. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases ... great is Your faithfulness” (3:22-23).

“Restore us to yourself, O LORD, that we may be restored!” (5:21). Whatever sin has broken or stolen, the Lord wants to restore. His mercies are new every morning.