Read Lamentations 3:1-18 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Review
1. What was Jeremiah feeling?
2. Who did he say caused this suffering?
3. What did he cry out in his distress?
Reflect
Jeremiah lived through great devastation and grieved deeply for everything that was lost. While this suffering was the consequence of Israel’s sin, it’s wrong to say that each person’s suffering is always caused by their own sin. Sometimes, like Jeremiah experienced, it’s others who cause pain, and sometimes there’s no answer in sight for why God’s people suffer.
When we suffer hardship, one of the questions we can ask is why God would allow it to happen. We might wrestle with how to reconcile the deep pain we feel with God’s goodness and love for us. And we might not get the answer we want from Him.
But don’t be afraid to bring all these feelings, questions, and frustrations to God. As Jeremiah expressed every real emotion he had, God heard it all. He isn’t scared of your anger toward Him. He isn’t disappointed in your doubts. And He doesn’t love you any more or less for what you feel. He’s the safest place to be honest about your brokenness. If someone you love is hurting, you can show them God’s love by listening without judgment or shame.
Respond
Has there been a time when you haven’t been honest about how you’re doing? What was that like? What is easy or difficult for you about bringing your real thoughts and emotions to God? Spend some time in prayer asking God to reassure you of His love for you and of His constant attentive ear ready to listen to you.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm and needs immediate assistance, please call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States.