In this sermon series through the book of Lamentations, we learn what it means to talk honestly with God and trust Him completely in times of pain. Each chapter reveals a different cry from the heart of God’s people as they face loss, confusion, and despair. And yet, we discover that even through tears, God remains faithful. We learn how biblical lament is not hopeless complaining but faith-filled conversation with a loving God who listens, restores, and redeems. If you’ve ever wondered how to pray when life hurts, these messages will guide you to find hope in sorrow, truth in tears, and faith in the darkest moments.
How to Pray Honestly - Lamentations 1
In this message, we get introduced to the book of Lamentations, and look at the first of five poems in this book. In this chapter, we learn some great principles about praying honest prayers. We need to pray honestly about our pain, our sin, and our needs. God wants to hear them! And He wants us to come to Him honestly.
When God Feels Like the Enemy - Lamentations 2
In this message, we see the tone shift to anger in this poem. The poet seems to be angry, but his focus throughout is on the anger and justice of the Lord. Utlimately, it is understood that this judgment is because of their rebellious sin. But it still feels like God is their enemy in the aftermath of all this. The only remedy to this is repentance! They need to turn to God and seek after Him.
Finding Hope in Hardship - Lamentations 3
In this message, we see the first glimpse of hope, the only explicity one in fact, in the book of Lamentations. In the middle of hardship, hurt, and processing of what has happened, we see the poet still lamenting to God. Through the words of the poet, three imperatives that Paul gives the New Testament believer are illustrated here: to be patient in tribulation, rejoicing in hope, and continuing steadfastly in prayer.
What Pain Can Teach Us - Lamentations 4
In this message, we see the poet of Lamentations looking back on what was and contrasting that with what has become of Jerusalem because of the siege. And we learn something about hindsight. When we look back, even the pain, grief, and discipline can teach us something, if we allow it to.
When We Long For Healing - Lamentations 5
In this message, we see that Lamentations concludes with a corporate prayer from a people who long for healing. And they pray two request: “Lord, remember us” (act in our situation), and “Lord, restore us” (draw us to You). From it, we learn the language of prayers for when we long for healing.
We hope that this study of the book of Lamentations has helped you in your faith, by growing your hope and challenging you to have honest prayers, even in the midst of hurt!
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