By Kay Horner
Typically, we wouldn’t turn to Lamentations—a book of poetic laments—to revitalize our hope. We might read a few psalms for a good “pick-me-up.” But we may forget that the Old Testament hymns and poems contain more laments than praise psalms.
In fact, the writer of Psalm 42 asks a question that Jesus’ followers, in every generation, face during difficult times: “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?” (v. 5). Aren’t we supposed to rejoice always and be victorious through Christ?
In the same verse, in the middle of bemoaning his troubles, the psalmist inserts the secret for reigniting our prayer and praise when disappointments seem insurmountable: “Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”
Jeremiah, the probable author of Lamentations, may have remembered this psalm as he grieved the destruction of Jerusalem and other afflictions. He offers the consummate answer to life’s dilemmas—hope in God!
The weeping prophet then defines the anchor of our hope as the Lord’s infinite love, unfailing compassions, and abounding faithfulness.
This I call to mind and therefore I have hope:
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 (Lam. 3:21–23).
Jeremiah continues by recounting the whys for his hope. He then challenges himself and the people of Zion to examine their ways, return to the Lord, and acknowledge their sin (vv. 25–42).
When divisiveness pervades a nation, this bright picture of repentance and hope, against the dark backdrop of despair, becomes a starting point for prayer. Even when the doors of prayer seem tightly shut, the foyer of weeping is always open.
The prophet’s hope confronts his sorrows. Faith debates fears. Night or day, the Lord God of heaven and earth demonstrates His extravagant kindness and inexhaustible faithfulness. God’s covenant love always wins the argument!
Prayer Points:
- Praise God that we can always put our hope in Him as our Savior and Lord!
- Praise the Lord that His great love keeps us from being consumed, and His unfailing compassions are new every morning!
- Ask God to renew your prayer and praise, even amid disappointments that may seem insurmountable in our nation.
- Pray for a spirit of weeping and repentance to overcome the Church as a prelude to revival.
- Pray for a nation-transforming demonstration of God’s extravagant kindness and inexhaustible faithfulness.
Kay Horner is executive director of Awakening America Alliance. This article is taken from Do It Again, Lord!: 30 Days of Hope-Filled Prayer for Revival. A great resource for a church or group to pray through together.
