Lamentations 3

Click on this link to read the text of the passage.

You can read a background to the Book of Lamentations here.

Some questions to ponder

• What are the contradictions in this passage?
• How can we cope when we encounter passages in the Bible which appear to contradict one another?

Although he causes grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; ³³for he does not willingly afflict or grieve anyone.

• So how do we reconcile suffering with the idea of God's love never ceasing?

What do you understand when you read these phrases?

• ²⁶It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
• ²⁷It is good for one to bear the yoke in youth,
• ²⁸to sit alone in silence when the Lord has imposed it,
• ²⁹to put one’s mouth to the dust (there may yet be hope),
• ³⁰to give one’s cheek to the smiter, and be filled with insults.

How do we apply this passage to our current situation?

You can download a printable version from here.