Lamentations 5 “Praying in the Midst of Despair”

Lamentations 5 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:      

• Even When It Hurts – Hillsong UNITED
• Lauren Daigle – You Say
• Do It Again – Elevation Worship

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• How to Pray “Our Father” for Kids (Learn the Lord’s Prayer) – Cocoa Talk with Brighton the Bread – Lesson for Kids
• The Reason You Can Trust God (Even When It Seems Risky) – Lesson for Older Kids
• Whole Lotta Change | Roar VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Power Shuffle | True North VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Leaning on the Everlasting Arms | Roar VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth are located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

The first four chapters of Lamentations are written as acrostic poems, each verse beginning with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. The final chapter, however, does not follow this pattern. By abandoning the structured form of the first four chapters, the poet indirectly conveys the chaos and disorder experienced by the people of Judah.

The poet speaks on behalf of the people of Judah by using the first-person plural pronoun “we.” Babylon has conquered them, and now they live like exiles in their own land. Foreigners violate their women, and their young men labor like slaves in a land that once belonged to them. The elders have disappeared from the city gate, and their leaders have been killed. All of this has come upon them as judgment for their sins. This is why their hearts ache and why they are in despair (vv. 1–18).

After describing the desperate situation of the people, the poet turns to God. The Lord is eternal, and His rule extends over all the earth. Therefore, their only hope is in God. The poet pleads that God would remember His people and restore them. If God forgives them, they are ready to return to Him. If that happens, they will once again recover their former peace and well-being (vv. 19–21).

Finally, the poet asks, “Have You utterly rejected us? Are You still angry with us?” (v. 22). The Revised New Korean Version (개역개정) translates the verse as, “You have utterly rejected us and are exceedingly angry with us.” Because the Hebrew wording of this verse is complicated, biblical scholars hold differing views on its translation and interpretation. Regardless of how it is rendered, the poet closes the entire book of Lamentations by expressing the overwhelming despair of feeling completely abandoned by God.

Meditation:

The final verse of chapter 5 brings to mind one of Jesus’ “Seven Last Words” spoken from the cross. In the valley of the shadow of death, He looked toward heaven and cried, “Eli, Eli, Lama Sabachtani?” (“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). At first glance, it seems like an expression of utter despair, as though God had completely abandoned him. However, these words are the opening verse of Psalm 22. In this psalm, the prayer begins with a cry of being forsaken but eventually moves toward complete trust in God. Through that trust, the psalmist begins to envision the future salvation God will bring.

Similarly, the final verse (v. 22) of Lamentations can be understood as an indirect expression of faith and trust in God. Although it outwardly appears to question or doubt God’s love, it is in fact an act of continuing to cling to Him. The poet is so exhausted that he feels on the verge of abandoning his faith in God. Yet he knows that his only hope is in God alone. Because of this inner turmoil, his final words take on an ambiguous tone. Through this expression, the poet is praying, “Lord, if You leave us like this, I may even lose my faith in You. I cannot endure any longer. Please, save us quickly.”

If any of you who read this devotion today find yourselves in a similar situation, may you receive comfort through the poet’s prayer. Even when you feel abandoned or forgotten by God, and when you feel tempted to let go of faith, hold fast to Him until the end. And like the psalmist of Psalm 22, may you recover hope through faith. The Lord is the One who reigns forever, and His throne endures from generation to generation (v. 19).

Prayer:

Lord, we remember those who can call only on Your name in their suffering and despair. Eternal King, please respond to their cry. Lord who draws near in times of trouble, hold them close and sustain them. We know that one day we, too, will walk through the valley of the shadow of death. In that deep darkness, lift our eyes to You, and let us see the light that is found in You alone. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: Even when life feels dark or when we feel forgotten, we can still talk to God. Holding on to Him— even with weak faith—opens the door to hope and comfort.

• For Preschool-Elementary:
  • When you feel sad or scared, who do you talk to?
  • Do you think God listens to us even when we feel upset or confused? Why?
  • What is one short prayer you could say to God when you feel alone or worried?
    
• Youth:
  • Have you ever felt forgotten or overwhelmed, even though you knew God existed? What helped you keep going?
  • Why do you think the poet in Lamentations kept talking to God even when he felt abandoned?
  • What does it look like for us to hold on to God when faith feels weak—especially in school, friendships, or family stress?