Today’s verses are often quoted for those who need comfort in grief or suffering.

They’re hopeful words. They attest to a God who will not let us down. They assure us that tomorrow can be a better day.

This is all true, but Lamentations is mainly about grieving the destruction of Jerusalem as a consequence of turning away from God. And so, the hope here in Lamentations 3 should be understood in that context.

We sometimes want to pass quickly through grief or suffering and move on to hope and joy. This is understandable. No one likes to suffer. But Lamentations reveals the importance of grief. Grief has a purpose. It needs time to do its work.

Our reliance on God’s grace is most honestly pursued through a heart of true repentance. If we don’t truly grieve the consequences of turning away from Him, how can we genuinely surrender ourselves to Him and benefit from His great faithfulness?

Only God can turn your grief into hope. But you need to give grief time to do its work.