Lamentations 3:25-39 Esv

Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; though they join forces, none will go unpunished.O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our potter; and all we are the work of Your hand. Do not be furious, O Lord, nor remember iniquity forever; indeed, please look—we all are Your people! § You have chastised me, and I was chastised, like an untrained bull; restore me, and I will return, for You are the Lord my God. Surely, after my turning, I repented; and after I...

He knows our frame. § He does not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men.The solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for...

Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has He in anger shut up His tender mercies? § I said in my haste, “I am cut off from before Your eyes”; nevertheless You heard the voice of my supplications when I cried out to You.Shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. § Wait for the Lord, and He will save you. § Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who...

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.We have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness.Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word … It is good for me that I have been...

Return to the Lord your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity; take words with you, and return to the Lord. Say to Him, “Take away all iniquity; receive us graciously.”Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God.” … But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed … Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no...

But though He cause grief, yet will He have compassion according to the multitude of His mercies" (Lam. 3:32).

We are going to discover that our Father's grace and mercy shine brightest against the darkness of the daily Cross.

"We make a most serious...