Lamentations 4-5

“Thou, O Lord, dost rule forever; Thy throne is from generation to generation” (5:19).  Jeremiah’s poem of mourning for the suffering people of Jerusalem includes a statement: God has the right to judge humanity.  God’s purpose for our world was originally good and peaceful, yet we have brought suffering and darkness upon ourselves.  “For the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the sin of Sodom” (4:6). 

When we acknowledge God’s authority, we are at the same moment in a position to cast ourselves on His mercy:  “Restore us to Thee, O Lord, that we may be restored” (5:21).