Great Is Your Faithfulness

Text: Lamentations 3:19-26

Jeremiah praised God for His faithfulness, mercy, and compassion – despite the miserable conditions that existed around him. This lesson will consider what Jeremiah said regarding the faithfulness of God in order to encourage us to put our trust – or keep our trust – in Him.

We Will Suffer in Life

Jeremiah called attention to his suffering (v. 19) – included affliction (v. 1), physical ailments (v. 4), seeming unanswered prayers (v. 8), mockery (v. 14), and depression (v. 17)
Jeremiah dwelled on these things (v. 20) – his soul was “bowed down” (depressed in his spirit)
Jeremiah was not the only one of God’s servants to face depression – Elijah (1 Kings 19:4), Jonah (Jonah 4:3), Job (Job 10:1, 18-19)
We will suffer in this life (Job 14:1) – we must cast our anxieties on the Lord (1 Peter 5:7)
In addition to suffering that is common to all, we will suffer as Christians (1 Peter 4:12, 16)
But even when we face depressing circumstances, we still have hope (v. 21) – hope saves us (Romans 8:24) and gets us through the difficulties we face (Romans 8:25)

How Can We Have Hope?

God is merciful (v. 22) – God will punish the disobedient (Romans 6:23), but has not done so yet (2 Peter 3:9); every new day is an example of God’s mercy; but do not take this for granted (2 Peter 3:10; Romans 2:4-6)
God is faithful (v. 23) – stability/fidelity; God will not forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6); He will not allow us to be in a situation we cannot handle (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:13); maybe difficult, but bearable
God is our portion (v. 24) – means an allotment or the share of an inheritance; God offers us an inheritance (1 Peter 1:4); far better than anything of this world (Matthew 16:26)
God is good (v. 25) – every good thing is from Him (James 1:17); but His reward is for those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6); not all will be rewarded (Romans 11:22; cf. Hebrews 5:9; 2 Thessalonians 1:8)

We Must Wait Silently for Salvation