Lamentations 3:21-23
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The prophet isn't just remembering a past event; he's deliberately bringing a specific thought back into his heart, an active choice that births hope even in despair. This "this" isn't about the surrounding misery, but points forward to the unchanging nature of God.
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)
After a deep dive into despair, sin, and suffering, Jeremiah intentionally shifts his focus, choosing to remember something that offers a flicker of hope amid the overwhelming darkness. This verse marks the turning point where he actively brings a specific truth to mind, setting the stage for the profound expressions of God's faithfulness and mercy that immediately follow.
When life feels overwhelming, where do you turn for strength? The prophet Jeremiah shows us that hope isn't passive; it's an active choice.
Jeremiah declares, 'But this I call to mind...' This isn't a casual thought; it's a deliberate act of bringing something specific back into focus. In a moment of deep despair, his hope isn't found by looking at his circumstances, but by actively choosing what to dwell on. This intentional mental engagement is the first step towards renewed hope, shifting the focus from present suffering to a future possibility.
What gives Jeremiah the confidence to hope when everything seems lost? It's not a wish, but a conviction rooted in God Himself.
The 'this' that Jeremiah calls to mind isn't his difficult situation, but rather truths about God that transcend his circumstances. Commentators highlight that he's recalling God's character – His mercies, His faithfulness, His compassion. Even in the depths of exile and ruin, Jeremiah finds assurance not in changing conditions, but in the unchanging nature of the Lord. This reminds us that true, resilient hope is always anchored in who God is.
Does suffering lead to despair, or can it pave the way for a deeper, more resilient hope?
Several insights suggest that the very sorrow and distress Jeremiah is experiencing, when brought before God, lead to humility. This humility, in turn, opens the door for hope. The acknowledging of sin and brokenness, rather than leading to final despair, creates a space where contrition is met with the expectation of divine acceptance and deliverance. This isn't about finding hope suffering, but sometimes, finding a profound and lasting hope the humble reflection that suffering brings.
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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 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.
The profound despair in Lamentations 3 arises from the brutal destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. Yet, this verse marks a pivotal shift, as the prophet intentionally recalls God's enduring mercy and faithfulness, even amidst such devastation, finding a lifeline of hope.
c. 597 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon deports King Jehoiachin and many of Judah's leaders and skilled workers to Babylon, marking a significant loss of national identity and leadership.
586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar's forces destroy Jerusalem and the Temple, the heart of Israel's worship and national life. Most of the remaining population is exiled to Babylon.
c. 580 BC
Jeremiah's Continued Ministry
Jeremiah, remaining in devastated Judah, continues to prophesy to the remnant, addressing their despair and offering words of future hope and restoration from exile.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus the Great Conquers Babylon
Cyrus the Persian defeats the Babylonian Empire, opening the way for the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland.
538 BC
Edict of Cyrus Allows Return
Cyrus issues a decree permitting the exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple, marking the beginning of the return from Babylonian exile.
This passage parallels Lamentations 3:21 by describing the psalmist recalling past joys and God's presence, leading to a renewed sense of hope in God despite present distress. It shows that remembering God's faithfulness is a powerful antidote to despair.
Romans 5:3-5This passage explains how suffering, when viewed through the lens of faith, can lead to perseverance, character, and ultimately hope. It echoes Lamentations 3:21 by showing that even difficult circumstances can become a source of hope when we recall God's work in them.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10Paul's experience of God's grace being sufficient in weakness directly connects to the idea that one's own infirmity can be a reason to hope in God's strength. This passage illuminates how recalling our own limitations can paradoxically lead us to rely on God and thus have hope.
Psalm 119:49-50Here, the psalmist recalls God's word and promises, finding comfort and hope in them during affliction. Like Lamentations 3:21, it highlights the act of remembering God's faithfulness as the foundation for enduring 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 prophet isn't just remembering a past event; he's deliberately bringing a specific thought back into his heart, an active choice that births hope even in despair. This "this" isn't about the surrounding misery, but points forward to the unchanging nature of God.
After a deep dive into despair, sin, and suffering, Jeremiah intentionally shifts his focus, choosing to remember something that offers a flicker of hope amid the overwhelming darkness. This verse marks the turning point where he actively brings a specific truth to mind, setting the stage for the profound expressions of God's faithfulness and mercy that immediately follow.
After a deep dive into despair, sin, and suffering, Jeremiah intentionally shifts his focus, choosing to remember something that offers a flicker of hope amid the overwhelming darkness. This verse marks the turning point where he actively brings a specific truth to mind, setting the stage for the profound expressions of God's faithfulness and mercy that immediately follow.
"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 prophet isn't just remembering a past event; he's deliberately bringing a specific thought back into his heart, an active choice that births hope even in despair. This "this" isn't about the surr…
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Last reviewed October 2026
