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Lamentations, Grief

We all experience loss at some point in our lives. We live in a world that has been broken by sin, and that brokenness permeates our lives. Loved ones die. We experience tragedies. Illness leaves people crippled and bedridden.

The response we have is grief. We mourn for those that have left us. We weep for those that are hurting and can do nothing about it. Sometimes we don't have the words to express the emptiness and pain that we feel.

The book of Lamentations is simply a human being expressing their grief. The author witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by the Babylonians. This person has seen the very symbols of Judah's covenant with God set ablaze by idolaters. They witnessed their people being killed and dragged off in chains. This is a book of grief.

Background

The book of Lamentations is traditionally said to be written by Jeremiah. The book itself does not indicate who the author is. All we know is that whoever wrote the book witnessed the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians. 

Lamentations is made up of five poems of grief, or laments. The poems don't connect one to the next, but they all do with the same subject; the author's grief over losing Jerusalem.

Themes

There are two important themes in the book of Lamentations; grief and hope. The obvious theme is that of grief, and it is the primary theme. All you have to do is read the book and you can feel the pain and loss. I cannot even come close to the power of the book itself.

The other important theme is that of hope in God. In the midst of grief, and even accusing God, the author always comes back to God. The author recognizes that God is still the ultimate hope, no matter what emotions they feel.

Theological Point

Grief is OK. Being open with God about our deepest emotions is OK. Read Lamentations 3. The first 21 verses the author accuses God of having it out for him and targeting him with pain, and this is in the Bible! God can handle our emotions. He wants us to bring them to him. 

Conclusion

Read the book of Lamentations. It speaks for itself. To those in grieving don't be ashamed. Grief is OK. Just remember to bring your feelings before God, no matter how intense.

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