Renewing Scripture: The Book Of Lamentations

November 24, 2023 Becky

(Already read the intro for my FALL RENEWING SCRIPTURE READING PLAN, and want to jump down to my renewing scripture list found in the book of Lamentations? CLICK HERE)

This fall I wanted to dive into some renewing scripture, and so I decided to read through the Major Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, and Daniel.

I’m on a mission to dive in deep and allow God to fill me up with ALL the encouraging and strengthening words found in these 5 books of the Bible, and so I’m spending every spare moment I get opening my Bible up and digging in!

WHY FALL?!

With every season change comes new and exciting ventures, and it’s a great time to amp up the ways we fill our hearts. God does a great job stirring this feeling inside me. How about you?

check this out…

The other day I was driving through my town and the fall leaves were swirling all around! A feeling of comfort overcame me during this drive – like a great big, happy hug from God!

As the leaves fell to the road and swirled around in the crisp breeze, it reminded me that God created each and every one of the leaves to fall and fade away in all their autumn-colored splendor. How amazing is that?! And, as I drove through the autumn leaf show I was blessed knowing God also works in and through me, allowing the old to slip away and reviving me in crisp new ways. Like Isaiah 43:19 talks about!

I just love the fall so much! Everything about it brings joy to my heart. It’s a feeling I can’t even describe, it’s that amazing to me! God’s way of recreating the beauty around us, as each season passes, is a marvel to watch. It reminds me that my heart also needs continual rejuvenation and that’s why I’m seeking out His renewing guidance this fall season.

I absolutely delight in the little blessings God graces me with throughout my days here on earth. Don’t you?! Filling up with His Word is one of the best ways to receive His blessings, and it’s such a great jump-start to a renewing journey.

A RENEWING JOURNEY THROUGH THE MAJOR PROPHETS!

To help me understand more clearly what I’m reading about, I’m praying for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and using my Life Application Bible as I study my way through these books. (If you haven’t already, make sure to check out My Favorite Study Bible post for the full scoop on all the awesomeness the Life Application Bible has to offer readers.)

Like any Bible time, once our hearts are opened not only will we receive wisdom and guidance as the Holy Spirit stirs our hearts, but we will also gain insight into the heart of our Heavenly Father! And…the Major Prophets do NOT fall short on this! God’s deliverance amongst so much judgment really portrays all the compassion and grace God continually pours upon His people. His love overflows with every page turn and His mercies never cease. So, if you’re ready to go deep with God and evaluate how your heart is doing, seek out the bold truth found in these intense, renewing books of the Old Testament!

HOW’S YOUR HEART DOING THIS FALL?

Like I mentioned above, our seasons are a time of wonderful change in and around us! With each season change comes a fresh, crisp beginning to our lives. It’s a time for us to evaluate where we are and where God wants us to be. Always moving forward!

When I think about renewing, I think about my Creator working in and on my heart bringing new zip and energy to my God-filled journey – a restoring of sorts. As I fill my heart with God’s word, a **heart-check** is essential.

Spending time alone with our Savior and Lord is the best time for a heart-check!

heart-check questions to ponder…

Where’s your heart?
What have you been filling your heart with lately?
Do you believe God’s peace will sustain you through it all?
Have we been chasing after God’s own heart?
Can you truly embrace this season’s change with God’s joy?
Are we ready to be renewed?

Friends, I pray that whatever season you may be in you are able to fill up with God’s Word believing He will renew you! As you continue your way through the remainder of this post, may the renewing scripture found in the book of Lamentations be the crisp, reviving start your heart has been seeking.

RENEWING SCRIPTURE FOUND IN THE BOOK OF LAMENTATIONS

Reading through the book of Lamentations reminded me just how big God’s heart really is and how much I want my heart to be in line with His! I’m excited to share some of the renewing scripture that the Holy Spirit stirred my heart with as I read through this emotion-filled, intense, short little book.

I want my heart to break for what breaks God’s heart!

I long for a renewing only my Creator can fulfill.

God is a kind and compassionate Heavenly Father who wants His children to pour their hearts out to Him. He cares! Studying the book of Lamentations reminded me why I have such a deep reverence for my Lord and Savior. I stand in awe of who He is and all He does for me and the world around me! I’m praying you too will rekindle your deep reverence and awe for God Almighty as you read through the scripture I have listed below.

Take your time reading through each one. Fill your heart with God’s renewing words! Enjoy the journey – write them out, journal them, memorize them, dig in deeper if you want! Open your heart to receive God’s renewing strength, repent the sins that weigh heavy on your heart, and return to the One who loves you beyond measure. Fill your hearts, friends!

Side Note – I’ve referenced all the verses using the NLT version, but I love exploring different translations so I encourage you to find your favorite translation for each. Delight in your search!

Enjoy the renewing journey!

(1) Lamentations 1:18a, 20a

Repentance! Jerusalem had forgotten God and their actions led them astray. They weren’t obeying God and became captive to their sin. When we fall into sin we miss the mark God has for us. It’s easy to do, but God calls us to a higher standard and we need to cling to Him and listen for Him. We must allow Him to guide us! A constant renewal is needed. As we renew, we can actually mourn for the things that matter most, repent our “miss the mark” moments, and find relief in God alone. True freedom is found in a life of obedience with God.

“(18a)’The Lord is right,’ Jerusalem says, ‘for I rebelled against Him.‘ (20a)’Lord, see my anguish! My heart is broken and my soul despairs, for I have rebelled against you.‘”
Lamentations 1:18a, 20a (NLT)

(2) Lamentations 2:11a

Break my heart for what breaks yours, God! Be sincere!

“I have cried until the tears no longer come; my heart is broken. My spirit is poured out in agony as I see the desperate plight of my people.”
Lamentations 2:11a (NLT)

(3) Lamentations 2:18-19

These verses really show me just how much God cares. He is a loving and compassionate Father! We can come to Him, completely raw, broken, and full of emotions! He meets us exactly where we are. God does NOT want us to suffer in silence. He is there waiting with open arms. Pour out your hearts to Him in true repentance.

“(18)Cry aloud before the Lord, O walls of beautiful Jerusalem! Let your tears flow like a river day and night. Give yourselves no rest; give your eyes no relief. (19)Rise during the night and cry out. Pour out your hearts like water to the Lord. Lift up your hands to Him in prayer, pleading for your children, for in every street they are faint with hunger.”
Lamentations 2:18-19 (NLT)

(4) Lamentations 3:22-24

This is the renewal our hearts seek! God is faithful and full of mercy. Afresh each morning, friends!

“(22)The faithful love of the Lord NEVER ENDS! His mercies never cease. (23)Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. (24)I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in Him!'”
Lamentations 3:22-24 (NLT)

(5) Lamentations 3:25

Renew daily. Depend on God alone and search for Him with all your heart – constantly. Always!

“The Lord is good to those who depend on Him, to those who search for Him.”
Lamentations 3:25 (NLT)

(6) Lamentations 3:31-32

This is real hope! Draw near to the Lord. Repent the things that weigh heavy on your heart and you will be revived. True and lasting freedom comes only through genuine devotion and obedience to God alone.

“(31)For no one is abandoned by the Lord forever. (32)Though He brings grief, He also shows compassion because of the greatness of His unfailing love.”
Lamentations 3:31-32 (NLT)

(7) Lamentations 3:40-42

This is how we find renewing! With true repentance comes God’s promise of forgiveness.

“(40)Instead, let us test and examine our ways. Let us turn back to the Lord. (41)Let us lift our hearts and hands to God in heaven and say, (42)We have sinned and rebelled, and you have not forgiven us.”
Lamentations 3:40-42 (NLT)

(8) Lamentations 3:55-57

God is always around. He hears us! When we return to Him we can wholeheartedly believe He will rescue us.

“(55)But I called your name, Lord, from deep within the pit. (56)You heard me when I cried, ‘Listen to my pleading! Hear my cry for help!’ (57)Yes, you came when I called; you told me, ‘Do not fear.‘”
Lamentations 3:55-57 (NLT)

(9) Lamentations 5:19

This verse makes me want to jump up and sing! God stays the same through the ages! Thank you, Jesus! (CLICK HERE and jam out to “Your Love Never Fails“.)

“But Lord, you remain the same forever! Your throne continues from generation to generation.”
Lamentations 5:19 (NLT)

(10) Lamentations 5:21

The whole reason I’m reading through the Major Prophets to find renewing! May you find it too, friends!

“Restore us, O Lord, and bring us back to you again! Give us back the joys we once had!”
Lamentations 5:21 (NLT)

The book of Lamentations is nestled in between the Major Prophets. It’s the shortest of the five books, yet doesn’t fall short on keeping with the theme the Major Prophets sets out to teach us. God alone is worthy of our full devotion and obedience. He is worth chasing after! He is mighty, compassionate, full of love, and His heart’s desire is to the be center of our everything.

Lamentations is packed with words of grief and written with purpose. God values our relationship we have with Him. He values our thoughts and emotions. He longs for open, honest communication. So, let’s honor all our Creator values and spend devoted time with Him daily. He deserves it!

If you missed my Renewing Scripture posts for Isaiah & Jeremiah make sure to check them out!

(Click on the image below to take you there.)