Prayer
Text: Lamentation 3:21 – 26 This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. (22) It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. (23) They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. (24) The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. (25) The LORD is good unto them that wait for him; to the soul that seeketh him. (26) It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.
Purpose: Remind the saints of the hope of GOD’s promises as we go through turbulent times. I want to remind the saints and sinners alike, salvation belongs to the LORD.
Background:
a. Brief synopsis of Lamentation: This is a book of poetry found in the original Hebrew text in the book of Jeremiah. Later it was separated since it was written in a poetic scheme and place in the books of poetry including: Job, Psalms, Proverb, Song of Solomon, Ecclesiastes; but in our version of the bible it is found among the prophets right after it’s author Jeremiah.
b. The condition of Israel: Williams Wordsworth stated, “Poetry is a spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings.” This statement is true here in the book of Lamentations as Jeremiah is writing while uncontrollably weeping over the pain and agony of the children of Israel are going through at the hands of the Babylonians. This is how he earned the nickname the weeping prophet. Judah has been capture by Nebuchadnezzar as a punishment for their multiple and flagrant sins against GOD. Understand Jeremiah was not only a witness he was also a prisoner. Jeremiah is witnessing his county, his homeland, his family, his friend, and his livelihood being destroy in his face. The scene is so depressing, Jeremiah, begins to believe the presence of GOD was completely gone; his mercies were no more; and prayer was futile.
Today, in this troubling world it seems we as Christians have been siege and taken captive by this world of sin. Though there are many Christians that live in this United States, many are caught up in the rapture of sin. We see the rich is getting richer and the poor continuously digging deeper into poverty. It is amazing, today, that degrading words are now terms of endearment. Laws are made against the word of GOD, yet other religions have freedom. Preachers have bluntly compromise the Word of GOD for short-term finical stability. We as Americans have kindled the wrath of GOD. We cannot continue to pretend that the wrath of GOD is not upon us. Today, jails are filling up with young black innocent men, we are dying in a senseless war; we under a continuous terrorist threat; and saints are slowly losing hope. Why? The truth is we are praying constantly, singing praises, paying tithes, and being faithful servants of the LORD; and in return we have receive ridicule, resentment, hardship, headache, heartache, and abuse. When we begin to look at what is happening around us it seems like the sinners and the devil is having fun abusing you. It feels like GOD has turn off the prayer-line without giving a time or date when it will be back online. However, in the mist of all of his troubles, Jeremiah said, “I still have hope!”
Now, why did Jeremiah still have hope in the midst of his trouble? The reason he maintains his hope because he recalled to his mind:
1. GOD’s Mercies
a. It does not fail us
b. New everyday
c. Faithful
2. The Lord is my Portion (Define)
a. Best Investment
b. The only one you can depend on and have hope in
3. The LORD is good to those who wait on him
a. Seek him by faith (Hebrew ll:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to GOD must believe that he is, and that he is rewarder of them that diligently seek him.)
b. It is good to continue pray with hope (James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
c. Quietly wait (define)
Conclusion: Keep your hope in GOD and he will deliver you.
