Sunday August 31, 2025

Sermon Title: Hope That Rises in the Dark

Series Big Idea: Capturing the urgency and clarity of the prophets’ messages in turbulent times

Sermon Big Idea: Biblical hope endures by remembering God’s faithfulness and mercy

Introduction

Lamentations was written from the wreckage of Jerusalem, a city broken and a people grieving. In the darkness, the writer finds a hope more precious than gold, shining brightest when all else seems lost.

(Lamentations 3:19-26)

Remember my affliction and my homelessness, the wormwood and the poison. 20 I continually remember them and have become depressed. 21 Yet I call this to mind, and therefore I have hope: 22 Because of the LORD’s faithful love we do not perish, for his mercies never end. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness! 24 I say, “The LORD is my portion, therefore I will put my hope in him.” 25 The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the person who seeks him. 26 It is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD. 

Hope Recognized in the Depths of Suffering  

The author expresses unfiltered grief and remembers his deep affliction, honestly acknowledging the weight of his sorrow. This raw lament turns to hope not when circumstances change, but when he chooses to recall God’s character.

Hope Anchored in the Character of God  

Real hope is anchored not in changing circumstances, but in the unchanging mercies and faithfulness of God. Because the Lord is our portion, we can wait quietly and confidently for His salvation.

Conclusion

Lamentations calls us to bring our pain to God and remember His mercies, even in the darkest seasons. In Christ, we find assurance that every new day comes with fresh hope and faithfulness that never runs out.

Lamentations 3:19-26 Bibliography

Walvoord, John F., and Roy B. Zuck, Dallas Theological Seminary. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Victor Books, 1985.

Rydelnik, Michael A., and Michael Vanlaningham, editors. The Moody Bible Commentary. Moody Publishers, 2014.

Carson, D. A., et al., editors. New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition. 4th ed., Inter-Varsity Press, 1994.

Hughes, Robert B., and J. Carl Laney. Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary. Tyndale House Publishers, 2001.

Cabal, Ted, et al. The Apologetics Study Bible: Real Questions, Straight Answers, Stronger Faith. Holman Bible Publishers, 2007.

Blum, Edwin A., and Trevin Wax, editors. CSB Study Bible: Notes. Holman Bible Publishers, 2017.

Crossway Bibles. The ESV Study Bible. Crossway Bibles, 2008.

Barry, John D., et al. Faithlife Study Bible. Lexham Press, 2012, 2016.

MacArthur, John F., Jr. The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible. Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006.

Smith, Jerome H. The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge: The Most Complete Listing of Cross References Available Anywhere- Every Verse, Every Theme, Every Important Word. Thomas Nelson, 1992.

Spurgeon. The Spurgeon Study Bible: Notes. Holman Bible Publishers, 2017.

Brown, Francis, S. R. Driver, and Charles A. Briggs. The Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon. Hendrickson Publishers, 2007.

Bell, James Stuart, editor. Ancient Faith Study Bible. Holman Bibles, 2019.

Richards, Lawrence O. The Bible Reader’s Companion. Electronic ed. Wheaton: Victor Books, 1991.

Brooks, Keith. Summarized Bible: Complete Summary of the Old Testament. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009.

Easley, Kendell H. Holman QuickSource Guide to Understanding the Bible. Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2002.

George, Jim. The Basic Bible Pocket Guide: *Book by Book Summaries *Key Verses *Life Applications *Life Applications. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2016.

Dyer, Charles H. “Lamentations.” In The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, edited by J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, 1:1217. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985.

Hays, J. Daniel. Jeremiah and Lamentations. Edited by Mark L. Strauss and John H. Walton. Teach the Text Commentary Series. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books: A Division of Baker Publishing Group, 2016.

Butler, John G. Isaiah to Ezekiel. Vol. 8. Analytical Bible Expositor. Clinton, IA: LBC Publications, 2013.

Walker, Larry L., Elmer A. Martens. Cornerstone Biblical Commentary: Isaiah, Jeremiah, & Lamentations. Vol. 8. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2005.

Dearman, J. Andrew. Jeremiah and Lamentations. The NIV Application Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 2002.

Harrison, R. K. Jeremiah and Lamentations: An Introduction and Commentary. Vol. 21. Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1973.

Wood, Fred, and Ross McLaten. Jeremiah, Lamentations. Edited by Max Anders. Vol. 16. Holman Old Testament Commentary. Nashville, TN.: Holman Reference, 2006.

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