“…Therefore I Have Hope”December 30, 2012

Lamentations Background• Likely composed by Jeremiah• 586 B.C. Babylonian siege

and invasion, led to Babylonian exile

• Jeremiah prophesied during the reign of good King Josiah

• Lamentations written in the wake of utter destruction

• Hebrew: ‘ekah, meaning “How…”

Lamentations 3:21-26“Yet this I call to mind and

therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.”

Jeremiah 29:10,11This is what the Lord says:

“When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

How to Put Your Hope in God

• Be honest• Talk to yourself• Call to mind “Hesed

Yahweh”• Trust God no matter what• Be strong, take heart,

and wait for the Lord

Lamentations 3:21-26“Yet this I call to mind and

therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.”