Sing a Song of Hope
Lamentations 3:25-39
Three and a half chapters into this poem of lament, we have begun to read some words of hope. Where did this come from?
Interestingly, the author has pulled some of these hopeful phrases from another part of scripture. About 400 years prior to the writing of this lament, David wrote a Psalm for use in community worship gatherings.
Consider this excerpt from Psalm 62. Make note of similar phrases and ideas:
5 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
for my hope is from him.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
7 On God rests my salvation and my glory;
my mighty rock, my refuge is God.
8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us.
In the author’s time of lament and distress, how did he center himself? He let himself feel the feelings for a few chapters, but what turned his attention to God’s promises? It appears it was a worship song.
In his own poem of lament, the author wrote in ideas from David’s song about how God’s goodness is displayed to those who have hope in him and who patiently wait on him. The author runs to God like a refuge and a fortress, pouring out his heart before God, just as David’s song says. The author of this lament worships to help him remember the consistency of God in the mids of terrible circumstances.
When we are in times of distress, how often do we worship? Do we call to mind songs about God’s character like the author of this lament?
As we have seen so far in this series, it is good to pour out our complaints, emotions, and difficulties to God. But the author of Lamentations doesn’t stay there. He turns to a song of worship to help himself center on the character of God over his circumstances for a moment.
When we endure difficulties, sometimes we need kind words or prayer from community. Sometimes we need to cry at God. But we also need to worship.
We don’t need to pretend everything is better. We don’t need to clean ourselves up. We don’t need to sound good. God has chosen singing as a tool for us to connect with him, honor him and remember his character. In times of celebration and in times of lament, we have the opportunity to worship.
The author of this lament needed to be reminded that God is worth waiting on. He needed to remember that the Lord is good to those who put their hope in him. So, he sang a song about it.
What do you need to sing a song about?
As you end your devotional time today, queue up a song that stirs your affection for God or reminds you of a truth that you need. Sing that song sometime today. Remember God’s character and honor him as you do so.
