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Lamentations 3:40-66 – The Forgiveness of God

The Puritan Thomas Watson defined repentance as an inward humility and outward reformation. These two need to always go together. It is not enough to behave well on the outside but love sin in the heart, nor is it enough to hate sin in the heart but behave badly on the outside. True repentance is a heartfelt humility for sin that changes the way we act. Of course, we cannot do that on our own but need the Holy Spirit to do it in us.

There is an example of that in the Prophet. We have already seen that the sorrow of Jerusalem is because the people had sinned. God would not stop punishing them until they repented of their sin. So Jeremiah says: “Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the LORD! Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven.” He knows that the people need to repent of their sin. They need a heartfelt humility and a change of behavior. If that does not happen then the people cannot expect God to forgive.

The Bible promises us that when we confess our sins God is faithful to forgive us (see 1 John 1:9). As Jeremiah repents of his sin the Lord hears: “I called on your name, O LORD, from the depths of the pit; you heard my plea” and later “You have taken up my cause, O Lord; you have redeemed my life.”

Even in the most difficult time Jeremiah hoped in God’s forgiveness. On this side of heaven there is no situation that is too far from God. We can feel that we are in a deep pit of sorrow and despair, but God hears every prayer of faith and is ready and willing to forgive. As the Psalmist sang: “If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared” (Psalm 130:3-4).

Questions

  1. Why can we not expect forgiveness if we do not repent?
  2. What promise is given to those who will confess their sins?
  3. What two things does true repentance include?

Prayer Points

  1. Ask God for patience to wait on his ultimate goodness from dark situations.
  2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
  3. Pray for family matters.