Lamentations 3:22,23 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. (NIV)

Are you dealing with a deep feeling of hopelessness? What great sorrow are you facing in life? Perhaps it is the death of a loved one. Maybe it is the latest news from your child’s specialists. Or maybe it is the trauma you see your child dealing with each and every day. It probably feels as though you’re fighting to keep your head above water sometimes, and you might even be reaching the point of exhaustion. So, where can you turn for relief?

Jeremiah, when he (most likely) wrote the poems collected in the book of Lamentations, was facing a great sorrow too. Jerusalem had just been invaded by the Babylonians, who left pure destruction in their wake. The town that Jeremiah loved, where he lived, and the geographical “holy place” of his faith, was left in rubble. Children begged for food while many starved, and many lost their lives in the battle. No doubt he witnessed the people being consumed with the sadness and hopelessness of their situation. 

Yet Jeremiah was not consumed. Even as Jeremiah faced this insurmountable pain, he was able to find comfort in the Lord. And he knew that the Lord had allowed this through his great love.

Should you compare yourself to Jeremiah? No. He was no better at dealing with his grief than you are. The Lord gave him the strength to keep moving. The Lord’s compassion allowed him to continue his work. His faith allowed him to say in verse 24: “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”

Likewise, the Lord gives you the strength you need to face the trials ahead. Now, this doesn’t mean that you will not feel any pain. It doesn’t mean that the road will be easy. Rather, the Lord will be with you through what you’re feeling, and you will never be alone. So, when you feel like can’t get above the waves of sorrow, or that you can’t face another day of sadness, reach for our faithful God for relief, and say this prayer:

Dear Jesus, I know that you have allowed this situation into my life. Please continue to renew your compassion on me, and renew my strength every day. Thank you for being with me through every step to come. Amen.

by Erin Stob