Hope in Despair

"My eyes pour down unceasingly,

         Without stopping, 

    Until the LORD looks down

 And sees from heaven."

Lamentations 3:49-50

After the devastation of Jerusalem and the exile of his people, Jeremiah went into a state of deep depression. Lamentations records the reality and intensity of his feelings: distress, torment, overflowing tears, groaning and more. He pours it all out before the Lord, and we see that for Jeremiah there will be no comfort aside from that which God will give. And yet there were glimpses of hope that Jeremiah caught: the Lord's lovingkindness; His compassion, faithfulness and goodness (Lamentations 3:22-25). There are times in our own lives when we need to pour out our troubles before the Lord. He doesn't condemn us for this. In fact, God will often use our sorrow to draw us closer to Himself. When we come seeking consolation, we will find hope.