1. December 30, 2012

2. Likely composed by Jeremiah Likely composed by Jeremiah 586 B.C. Babylonian siege and invasion, led to Babylonian exile 586 B.C. Babylonian siege and invasion, led to Babylonian exile Jeremiah prophesied during the reign of good King Josiah Jeremiah prophesied during the reign of good King Josiah Lamentations written in the wake of utter destruction Lamentations written in the wake of utter destruction Hebrew: ‘ekah, meaning “How…” Hebrew: ‘ekah, meaning “How…”

3. “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the L ORD ’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The L ORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The L ORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the L ORD.”

4. This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

5. Be honest Be honest Talk to yourself Talk to yourself Call to mind “Hesed Yahweh” Call to mind “Hesed Yahweh” Trust God no matter what Trust God no matter what Be strong, take heart, and wait for the Lord Be strong, take heart, and wait for the Lord

6. “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the L ORD ’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The L ORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The L ORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the L ORD.”