How can the suffering of a nation bring heavenly hope? Let’s look at Lamentations 5.
When we suffer do we turn our backs on God or go to Him in prayer?
Lord, remember what has happened to us. Pay attention, and look at our shame! Our inheritance has been turned over to strangers, and our homes to foreigners. We are now orphans—without fathers—and our mothers are like widows. (Lam 5:1-3 ISV)
Was all Israel under the yoke of a foreign power, with people giving everything just to eat?
We have drunken our water for money; our wood is sold unto us. Our necks are under persecution: we labour, and have no rest. We have given the hand to the Egyptians, and to the Assyrians, to be satisfied with bread. (Lam 5:4-6 KJV)
Do evils created by past generations cause us to suffer?
Our fathers sinned; they are no more; It is we who have borne their iniquities. Slaves rule over us; There is no one to tear us away from their hand. We get our bread at the risk of our lives Because of the sword in the wilderness. (Lam 5:7-9 LSB)
Occupied by a foreign power, did Jerusalem starve, were people violated and abused?
Our skin has become as hot as an oven, Because of the ravages of hunger. They violated the women in Zion, The virgins in the cities of Judah. Leaders were hung by their hands; Elders were not respected. (Lam 5:10-12 NASB)
What happened to youthful joy as young men and boys were put to forced labor for the occupying power?
Young men toil at the millstones; boys stagger under loads of wood. The elders are gone from the city gate; the young men have stopped their music. Joy is gone from our hearts; our dancing has turned to mourning. (Lam 5:13-15 NIV)
Rather than shift blame to past generations alone, does the prophet confess the sins of the current generation?
The crown has fallen from our head. Woe to us, for we have sinned! Because of this our heart is faint; Because of these things our eyes grow dim; Because of Mount Zion which is desolate, With foxes walking about on it. (Lam 5:16-18 NKJV)
Does God change? Does He ever forget us? Is being forced by circumstances to examine our evil ways a good thing?
But Lord, you remain the same forever! Your throne continues from generation to generation. Why do you continue to forget us? Why have you abandoned us for so long? Restore us, O Lord, and bring us back to you again! Give us back the joys we once had! Or have you utterly rejected us? Are you angry with us still? (Lam 5:19-22 NLT)
Is there a purpose in mourning? Why does Jesus call it a blessing? How can God bring comfort though the mourning process?
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. (Mat 5:4 WEB)
How can the suffering of a nation bring heavenly hope? You decide!
