Lord We Have Hope

Therefore, I Have Hope

Introduction:

The Book of Lamentations is a series of laments, or songs of mourning.  The background of the book is the destruction of Jerusalem.  The writer, Jeremiah, is called the Weeping Prophet. Jeremiah’s life was certainly characterized by sadness.

• Jeremiah was called to preach a negative message.    Jeremiah 1:9-10

• Jeremiah was not allowed to have a family.    Jeremiah 16:1-2

• Jeremiah was put in prison because the king didn’t like his preaching.      Jeremiah 32:1-2

•  Jeremiah was very discouraged at people’s response.      Jeremiah 9:1-2

Text:

     Despite all his discouragements and disappointments, Jeremiah still saw reason for hope.     Lamentations 3:21-26

Body:

    I.  Hope Due to God’s Mercies  (verses 21-22a)

“Mercies” is often translated ‘loving kindness’.  God’s love for us is so strong that He extended grace to us all through His Son.

• God is so rich in mercy.  He loved us so much that He gave us life.  It is only by God’s grace that we can be saved.      Ephesians 2:4-9

• God showered grace and kindness on us in Christ Jesus.  We have redemption through His blood.      Ephesians 1:3, 7

• Christ is the savior of the body.  We must be united in Christ.      Ephesians 5:23

 II.   Hope Due to God’s Faithfulness (verses 22b-23)

• “Faithfulness” means steadfastness, reliable, firm.  It is one you can depend upon at all times and in all situations.  God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

• His compassions do not fail.  He feels for us at all times. He provides us with what we need   Hebrews 13:8

• God gives us what we need, not everything we want or desire!  God doesn’t cater to our selfishness.  This is not a prosperity gospel or a rabbit-foot religion.     Matthew 6:31-33

Read paraphrased verses 27-34 in The Message

    “Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch?  All this time and money wasted on fashion – do you think it makes that much difference?  Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers.  They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it?  The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.”

    “If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers – most of which are never even seen – don’t you think He’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do His best for you?  What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving.  People who don’t know God and the way He works, fuss over these things, but you know both God and how He works.  Steep your life in God –reality, God-initiative, God-provisions.  Don’t worry about missing out.  You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.”

     “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow.  God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” 

The Message(MSG) 

Copyright 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson

• God is faithful to take care of our human needs.  We can count on Him.      Philippians 4:19

• It is new every morning.  There is a fresh supply.      Ephesians 3:20

III.  Hope Due to God’s Goodness (verses 24-26)

• God is “Good” – excellent; always wants what’s best for us.      “Portion” – share      Psalms 103:1-5

• His goodness comes to us in His time, not ours. (verse25)      Isaiah 49:23, Romans 8:28

• God’s goodness provided us a Savior. (verse 26)      John 3:16

Bobby Stafford

March 6, 2011