EGW WritingsLamentations 3

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 34—Jeremiah

PK 420.1

Cruel were the mockings he was called upon to endure. His sensitive soul was pierced through and through by the arrows of derision hurled at him by those who despised his messages and made light of his burden for their conversion. “I was a derision to all my people,” he declared, “and their song all the day.” “I am in derision daily, everyone mocketh me.” “All my familiars watched for my halting, saying, Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.” Lamentations 3:14; Jeremiah 20:7, 10.

PK 421.1

When called to drink of the cup of tribulation and sorrow, and when tempted in his misery to say, “My strength and my hope is perished from the Lord,” he recalled the providences of God in his behalf and triumphantly exclaimed, “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him. The Lord is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh Him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.” Lamentations 3:18, 22-26.

From Splendor to Shadow

Jeremiah’s Peaceful, Shrinking Disposition

SS 218.6

When tempted in his misery to say, “My strength and my hope is perished from the Lord” (Lamentations 3:18), Jeremiah recalled the providences of God in his behalf and exclaimed: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in Him.’ The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul that seeks Him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” Lamentations 3:22-26, RSV.

With God at Dawn

Only By His Mercy Are We Not Consumed, February 15

WGD 48.1

This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. Lamentations 3:21, 22.

Prayer

Hezekiah

Pr 144.3

He whose “compassions fail not” (Lamentations 3:22) heard the prayer of His servant. “It came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the Lord came to him, saying, Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the Lord. And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David’s sake.” 2 Kings 20:4-6.—(The Review and Herald, May 6, 1915.)

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 27—Ahaz

PK 325.5

The God whom we serve is long-suffering; “His compassions fail not.” Lamentations 3:22. Throughout the period of probationary time His Spirit is entreating men to accept the gift of life. “As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die?” Ezekiel 33:11. It is Satan’s special device to lead man into sin and then leave him there, helpless and hopeless, fearing to seek for pardon. But God invites, “Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me.” Isaiah 27:5. In Christ every provision has been made, every encouragement offered.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 29—The Ambassadors From Babylon

PK 341.3

He whose “compassions fail not,” heard the prayer of His servant. Lamentations 3:22. “It came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the Lord came to him, saying, Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of My people, Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the Lord. And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for Mine own sake, and for My servant David’s sake.” 2 Kings 20:4-6.

The Review and Herald

April 1, 1915

RH April 1, 1915, par. 13

The God whom we serve is long-suffering: “his compassions fail not.” Lamentations 3:22. Throughout the period of probationary time his Spirit is entreating men to accept the gift of life. “As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die?” Ezekiel 33:11. It is Satan’s special device to lead man into sin, and then leave him there, helpless and hopeless, fearing to seek for pardon. But God invites, “Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me.” Isaiah 27:5. In Christ every provision has been made, every encouragement offered.

The Review and Herald

May 6, 1915

RH May 6, 1915, par. 4

He whose “compassions fail not” (Lamentations 3:22) heard the prayer of his servant. “It came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the Lord came to him, saying, Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the Lord. And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David’s sake.” 2 Kings 20:4-6.

My Life Today

Jeremiah’s Declaration of Thanksgiving, November 19

ML 327.1

It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22, 23.

The Upward Look

Divine Compassion Continues to Flow, December 6

UL 354.1

It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22, 23.

To Be Like Jesus

In Love and Mercy Jesus Pleads With Us and for Us, November 18

BLJ 339.1

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22, 23, NKJV.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 26, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 26, 1896, par. 19

“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassion fail not. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.” [Lamentations 3:22, 23.] “Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts.” This is the message which must be proclaimed. “Return unto me, and I will return unto you.” “But ye said, Wherein shall I return?” [Malachi 3:7.] God gives his people reproofs, warnings, and instruction. But there seems to be a manifest neglect of righteous principles. The Lord sends messengers to bear to the churches His reproofs and warnings, that their wrong may be corrected, and to give the invitation, “Return unto me, and I will return unto you,” and yet self-vindication is shown in the words, “Wherein shall we return?”

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Gift Every Day, March 15

JNN 83.1

Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
—Lamentations 3:22, 23

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 37—Carried Captive Into Babylon

PK 461.1

The sorrow of the prophet over the utter perversity of those who would have been the spiritual light of the world, his sorrow over the fate of Zion and of the people carried captive to Babylon, is revealed in the lamentations he has left on record as a memorial of the folly of turning from the counsels of Jehovah to human wisdom. Amid the ruin wrought, Jeremiah could still declare, “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed;” and his constant prayer was, “Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord.” Lamentations 3:22, 40. While Judah was still a kingdom among the nations, he had inquired of his God, “Hast Thou utterly rejected Judah? hath Thy soul loathed Zion?” and he had made bold to plead, “Do not abhor us, for Thy name’s sake.” Jeremiah 14:19, 21. The prophet’s absolute faith in God’s eternal purpose to bring order out of confusion, and to demonstrate to the nations of earth and to the entire universe His attributes of justice and love, now led him to plead confidently in behalf of those who might turn from evil to righteousness.

From Splendor to Shadow

The Babylonians Respect Jeremiah

SS 241.1

The sorrow of the prophet over the utter perversity of those who should have been the light of the world and over the fate of Zion and the people carried captive to Babylon is revealed in the lamentations he has left on record as a memorial of the folly of turning from the counsels of Jehovah to human wisdom. Amid the ruin, Jeremiah could still declare, “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed.” His constant prayer was, “Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord!” Lamentations 3:22, 40.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 150, 1903

18LtMs, Lt 150, 1903, par. 30

It is not through human inventions, but through relationship with Christ, that the kingdom of heaven is obtained. Through obedience to the laws of this kingdom we are made heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ. We must give proof that we believe in Christ as our Saviour and our Redeemer. We must resemble Him in character. Only as we are one with Him here can we be one with Him in the hereafter. Those who are fitting themselves for the mansions that Christ has gone to prepare for those who become one with Him in God will at last enter into possession of a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. They are able to say, “The Lord is my portion; therefore will I hope in Him.” [Lamentations 3:24.]

In Heavenly Places

Nothing Too Small, March 8

HP 74.1

The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. Lamentations 3:25.

Our Father Cares

Nothing Too Small, June 7

OFC 170.1

The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. Lamentations 3:25.

This Day With God

Have You Asked? January 14

TDG 22.1

The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:25, 26.

Conflict and Courage

Jeremiah, God’s Mouthpiece, August 19

CC 237.1

It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:26.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 29, 1911

25LtMs, Ms 29, 1911, par. 11

I have much time for reflection. “It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.” [Lamentations 3:26.] We all desire an immediate answer to our prayers, and we are tempted to become discouraged if they are not answered at once. My experience has taught me that this is a great mistake. If the answer is delayed, it is for our good. Thus God tests our faith, to see whether it is sincere or changeable. We must bind ourselves upon the altar with the cords of faith and hope and let patience have her perfect work. Faith strengthens through exercise.

Lift Him Up

Wait Upon the Lord for Strength, September 6

LHU 263.5

“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord” (Psalm 27:14). “It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord” (Lamentations 3:26). There are those who work all day and far into the night to do what it seems to them needs to be done. The Lord looks pitifully upon these weary, heavy-laden burden-bearers, and says to them, “Come unto me, ... and I will give you rest.... For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30) (Letter 83, 1902).

Our Father Cares

Jeremiah, God’s Mouthpiece, July 21

OFC 214.1

It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:26.

Our High Calling

Wait for God’s Answer, May 8

OHC 134.1

It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:26.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7

Chapter 47—Be of Good Courage

7T 243.4

“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” “It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.” Psalm 27:14; Lamentations 3:26. There are those who work all day and far into the night to do what seems to them must be done. The Lord looks pityingly upon these weary, heavy-laden burden bearers and says to them: “Come unto Me, ... and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

He Will Supply Our Necessities

3TT 194.4

“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” “It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.” Psalm 27:14; Lamentations 3:26.—1902, Testimonies for the Church 7:243, 244.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 37, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 37, 1892, par. 3

This is the history of my condition for the last two months. I have spoken to the people the last three Sabbaths, but can not kneel, and can scarcely stand. I dare not give up to this affliction, fearing I shall be entirely helpless. Every day I present my case to the Lord, and believe that help will come. I will not murmur or complain. I will pray; I will believe; I will be cheerful, although it requires strong power of self control. The grace given me of God is my only dependence. I cannot sew, I cannot knit. I can read some; I can write some; for this I am very thankful. I think of Sister Lizzie’s sufferings, and pray that the Lord save me from suffering as she did. I can ride without pain, but when I have to leave [the] phaeton, it requires the help of May, and sometimes the help of another, to get me into the house. I have much time for reflection. “It is good that a man should both hope, and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.” [Lamentations 3:26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 48, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 48, 1893, par. 41

“It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.” [Lamentations 3:26.] Everything may seem to be in confusion, but bear in mind that Jesus stands at the helm. He has not left the ship to be guided by other hands and controlled by other minds. Let no inconsiderate words be spoken. Jesus hears every word. Annoyances and trials will come, but trust all with Jesus. Be firm in your purpose to wait upon the Lord and cast your burden upon Him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 83, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 83, 1902, par. 28

“Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart; wait, I say, on the Lord.” [Psalm 27:14.] “It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.” [Lamentations 3:26.] There are those who work all day and far into the night to do what it seems to them needs to be done. The Lord looks pitifully upon these weary, heavily laden burden-bearers, and says to them, “Come unto me, ... and I will give you rest. ... For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” [Matthew 11:28, 30.]

Maranatha

The Youth, God’s Instruments, April 23

Mar 121.1

It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth. Lamentations 3:27.

Our High Calling

Rewards of Service, October 27

OHC 306.1

It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth. Lamentations 3:27.

In Heavenly Places

In the Hour of Grief, September 22

HP 272.1

But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies. For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men. Lamentations 3:32, 33.

The Faith I Live By

Light in the Shadows, June 15

FLB 172.1

But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies. For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men. Lamentations 3:32, 33.

Counsels on Health

A Most Solemn Experience

CH 375.2

The Lord “doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.” Lamentations 3:33. “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him. For He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust.” Psalm 103:13, 14. He knows our heart, for He reads every secret of the soul. He knows whether or not those for whom petitions are offered would be able to endure the trial and test that would come upon them if they lived. He knows the end from the beginning. Many will be laid away to sleep before the fiery ordeal of the time of trouble shall come upon our world. This is another reason why we should say after our earnest petition; “Nevertheless not my will, but Thine, be done.” Luke 22:42. Such a petition will never be registered in heaven as a faithless prayer.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 52, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 52, 1894, par. 7

As we talk of Jesus, as we call upon Him in prayer, our confidence that He is our personal, loving Saviour will strengthen, and His character will appear more and more lovely. We will understand that He does not afflict willingly, nor “grieve the children of men.” [Lamentations 3:33.] We may enjoy rich feasts of love, and as we fully believe that we are His by adoption, we may have a foretaste of heaven. Wait upon the Lord in faith. The Lord draws out the soul in prayer and gives us to feel His precious love. We have a nearness to Him, and can hold sweet communion with Him. We obtain distinct views of His tenderness and compassion, and our hearts are broken and melted with contemplation of the love that is given to us. We feel indeed an abiding Christ in the soul. We abide in Him and feel at home with Jesus.

The Three Angels’ Messages

“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord”

3AM 185.5

Many will be laid away to sleep—The Lord “doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.” [Lamentations 3:33.] “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him, for he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.” [Psalm 103:13, 14.] He knows our heart, for He reads every secret of the soul. He knows whether or not those for whom petitions are offered would be able to endure the trial and test that would come upon them if they lived. He knows the end from the beginning. Many will be laid away to sleep in Jesus before the fiery ordeal of the time of trouble shall come upon our world. This is another reason why we should always say after our earnest petition, “Nevertheless not my will, but thine, O Lord, be done.” [Luke 22:42.] Such a petition will never be registered in heaven as a faithless prayer.

Our Father Cares

The Arrow of Death, March 15

OFC 86.2

The Lord “doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.” Lamentations 3:33. “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.” Psalm 103:13, 14. He knows our heart, for He reads every secret of the soul.... He knows the end from the beginning. Many will be laid away to sleep before the fiery ordeal of the time of trouble shall come upon our world....

The Faith I Live By

The Arrow of Death, June 14

FLB 171.2

The Lord “doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.” Lamentations 3:33. “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.” Psalm 103:13, 14. He knows our heart, for He reads every secret of the soul.... He knows the end from the beginning. Many will be laid away to sleep before the fiery ordeal of the time of trouble shall come upon our world....

The Upward Look

Trials Will Come, February 20

UL 65.1

For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men. Lamentations 3:33.

This Day With God

Jesus Cares, July 4

TDG 194.3

Trying as your case may be, do not yield to despondency. Guard yourself here. Your heart may ache near to breaking, but trust on, hope on. “For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men” (Lamentations 3:33). Never allow yourself to mourn. Be hopeful, be ever cheerful in God, and brighter morning will yet arrive.

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing

“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”—Matthew 5:4.

MB 10.2

The Saviour’s words have a message of comfort to those also who are suffering affliction or bereavement. Our sorrows do not spring out of the ground. God “doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.” Lamentations 3:33. When He permits trials and afflictions, it is “for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness.” Hebrews 12:10. If received in faith, the trial that seems so bitter and hard to bear will prove a blessing. The cruel blow that blights the joys of earth will be the means of turning our eyes to heaven. How many there are who would never have known Jesus had not sorrow led them to seek comfort in Him!

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 38b, 1886

4LtMs, Lt 38b, 1886, par. 2

I am praying for you, and I have trusted your case in the hands of the Lord. I cannot endure the thought of the possibility of harm coming to you, and your being a lifelong sufferer, or your life extinguished when it can be devoted to useful service in the cause of God. I hope and pray and worry some. This morning I was able to lay your case in the hands of the Lord and say, “I will not carry the burden. The Lord will do all things well. He will not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men.” [Lamentations 3:33.] I hope to be able to hold you upon the altar, but sometimes my faith trembles. I have you so much interwoven in my life and heart that I have a dread of your being exposed to any risks. Well now, we will trust in the Lord.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 26, 1885

4LtMs, Lt 26, 1885, par. 2

In this feebleness, I presented before her the words of promise from God. “And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.” Exodus 34:6, 7. Thus God has proclaimed His character Himself. Will you, my dear child, believe Him? What sins can be too great for Him to pardon? Every soul is precious in His sight. He is merciful, infinitely more willing to pardon than condemn. He is gracious. He is touched with the feelings of your infirmities. He knows your weakness. It would have been much better had you obtained the experience of becoming acquainted with God when in strength; then you would have been able to trust Him fully whom you had proved; but you have made your best efforts, and now Christ stands ready to supply where you lack. His merits will be imputed to you; His boundless goodness will heal your backslidings, and He will accept today the best you have to give, and He will love and bless you. “He is longsuffering, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” [2 Peter 3:9.] “He doth not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men.” [Lamentations 3:33.] He suffereth long and is kind. His love is without a parallel. He is slow to anger and of great kindness. He has waited and waited for you to give Him your affections, an undivided heart. God will never leave nor forsake one penitent soul that looks to Him in faith.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 26a, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 26a, 1892, par. 9

The Lord “doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.” [Lamentations 3:33.] “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him, for he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.” [Psalm 103:13, 14.] He knows our heart, for He reads every secret of the soul. He knows whether or not those for whom petitions are offered would be able to endure the trial and test that would come upon them if they lived. He knows the end from the beginning. Many will be laid away to sleep in Jesus before the fiery ordeal of the time of trouble shall come upon our world. This is another reason why we should always say after our earnest petition, “Nevertheless not my will, but thine, O Lord, be done.” [Luke 22:42.] Such a petition will never be registered in heaven as a faithless prayer.

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 31—The Sin of Nadab and Abihu

PP 360.2

God designed to teach the people that they must approach Him with reverence and awe, and in His own appointed manner. He cannot accept partial obedience. It was not enough that in this solemn season of worship nearly everything was done as He had directed. God has pronounced a curse upon those who depart from His commandments, and put no difference between common and holy things. He declares by the prophet: “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness! ... woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! ... which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him! ... They have cast away the law of the Lord of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 5:20-24. Let no one deceive himself with the belief that a part of God’s commandments are nonessential, or that He will accept a substitute for that which He has required. Said the prophet Jeremiah, “Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?” Lamentations 3:37. God has placed in His word no command which men may obey or disobey at will and not suffer the consequences. If men choose any other path than that of strict obedience, they will find that “the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12.

That I May Know Him

Take Time to Think, August 15

TMK 233.1

Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord. Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens. Lamentations 3:40, 41.