Lamentations 3:21-23
But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The remarkable shift here isn't just finding hope, but actively choosing to recall something specific that fuels it. The prophet is saying, "Even in the depths of despair, I am making a conscious effort to bring a particular truth to mind, and that is why I can still hope."
After pouring out his heart about the depth of his suffering and despair, the prophet shifts gears, not by denying his pain, but by consciously choosing to remember a truth that offers a lifeline. This moment marks the turning point in his lament, as he deliberately brings to mind something specific that rekindles hope amidst the ruins. This deliberate act of remembrance is presented as the direct cause for his renewed expectation, setting the stage for a profound reflection on God's enduring faithfulness.
When everything feels bleak, where do you find the strength to hope? It's not about ignoring the pain, but intentionally remembering something greater.
Jeremiah, in the depths of despair for his people, doesn't just wallow. He actively chooses to recall something specific. The commentaries suggest this 'this' isn't about his terrible circumstances, but about truths that stand firm even when everything else crumbles.
The Power of Deliberate Memory
Sometimes, the greatest hope isn't found by looking for reasons to feel good, but by honestly facing our brokenness and realizing God's mercy is still there.
The context leading up to this verse in Lamentations 3 describes deep suffering and sin. The commentaries suggest that the 'humility' arising from acknowledging this brokenness is directly linked to finding hope.
The Paradox of Painful Truth
Understand the original words
chesed · Hebrew Noun
In the Old Testament, this refers to God’s covenant-keeping loyalty, love, and kindness. It is a persistent, faithful love that exceeds mere emotion, rooted in God's commitment to His people.
Yahweh · Hebrew Proper Noun
A common name for God in the Old Testament, reflecting His covenant identity with Israel. It represents the self-existent, eternal, and personal Creator who reveals Himself through His redemptive actions.
rachamim · Hebrew Noun
Deep compassion or pity, often associated with a parent's love for a child. It denotes an emotional and active expression of grace toward those who are in distress or need.
emunah · Hebrew Noun
The profound despair of Lamentations 3, especially verse 21, stems from the brutal destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. This verse marks a pivotal turning point where the prophet, amidst utter desolation, chooses to recall God's enduring mercies and faithfulness, shifting from utter hopelessness to a fragile, but determined, hope.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquers Jerusalem and deports a portion of the population, including members of the royal family and skilled individuals, to Babylon.
597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
Following a period of rebellion, Babylon deports more of Judah's citizens, including the prophet Ezekiel and King Jehoiachin, to Babylon.
586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Third Deportation
Babylon destroys Jerusalem, burns the Temple, and deports the remaining significant population, leaving only the poorest to tend the land.
c. 586-570 BC
Jeremiah's Imprisonment and Exile
Jeremiah, who prophesied during Jerusalem's fall, is imprisoned and later taken to Egypt with Jewish refugees, continuing to lament their plight.
This passage directly parallels Lamentations 3:21, showing the psalmist recalling God's past faithfulness to find hope amidst present despair, much like Jeremiah.
Romans 5:3-5This New Testament passage explains how suffering, through perseverance, leads to hope, echoing the idea that even in distress, turning to God's character can ignite hope.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10Paul's experience of God's strength being made perfect in weakness highlights how even in our deepest trials, remembering God's sufficiency can become the very ground of our hope.
Psalm 119:49-50Here, the psalmist pleads for God's word to revive him in affliction, a reminder that focusing on God's promises and faithfulness, even when suffering, is the pathway to hope.
barnesLamentations 3:21: "This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope."
This I recall - Rather, "This will I bring back to my heart, therefore will I hope." Knowing that God hears the prayer of the contrite, he begins again to hope.
pooleLamentations 3:21: "This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope."
This, not what was already said, that made them despair, and their souls to bow down; but this, that which followeth, concerning the nature of God, and other good providences. I see nothing in the circumstances of my condition to comfort me, but I see something in God’s nature, and in some other dispensations of his providence, which gives me ground to hope for better things than an utter ruin and destruction.
The remarkable shift here isn't just finding hope, but actively choosing to recall something specific that fuels it. The prophet is saying, "Even in the depths of despair, I am making a conscious effort to bring a particular truth to mind, and that is why I can still hope."
After pouring out his heart about the depth of his suffering and despair, the prophet shifts gears, not by denying his pain, but by consciously choosing to remember a truth that offers a lifeline. This moment marks the turning point in his lament, as he deliberately brings to mind something specific that rekindles hope amidst the ruins. This deliberate act of remembrance is presented as the direct cause for his renewed expectation, setting the stage for a profound reflection on God's enduring faithfulness.
After pouring out his heart about the depth of his suffering and despair, the prophet shifts gears, not by denying his pain, but by consciously choosing to remember a truth that offers a lifeline. This moment marks the turning point in his lament, as he deliberately brings to mind something specific that rekindles hope amidst the ruins. This deliberate act of remembrance is presented as the direct cause for his renewed expectation, setting the stage for a profound reflection on God's enduring faithfulness.
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The attribute of God being reliable, true, and constant. It affirms that God is trustworthy and that His promises will never fail, even in the midst of human unfaithfulness.
c. 586 BC
Writing of Lamentations
The prophet Jeremiah likely writes the book of Lamentations in the immediate aftermath of Jerusalem's destruction, reflecting the deep sorrow and despair of the people.
539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon, marking a shift in regional power and setting the stage for the eventual return of Jewish exiles.
"But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." — The remarkable shift here isn't just finding hope, but actively choosing to recall something specific that fuels it. The prophet is saying, "Even in the depths of despair, I am making a conscious e…
