Jerusalem, the proud city of David, had fallen before the victorious armies of King Nebuchadnezzar. Its mighty walls and glorious temple lay in ruins. Its priests and princes and people were led away into the long and shameful captivity of Babylon. Weeping and lamenting its sad fate, Jeremiah sings its funeral song in the five chapters of his book called Lamentations.

Darkest night is about him, but he knows that the Lord God, whose just anger has destroyed the wicked city, has also given him the promise that in due time the Children of Israel shall return from their captivity and again build the walls of Jerusalem. This sure promise of his God is the star of hope that illumines the night about him and cheers his grieving heart. Now he will quietly wait for its fulfillment.

Here we see what patient hope and constant faith mean for our Christian life. This patient hope is not a dull resignation to the unchangeable sorrowful conditions in which we may find ourselves, but it is a sure and lively trust in the promised hope of our God, which cannot fail us. And, oh, it is a good thing; for with its sweet songs of God's unfailing love and approaching help it comforts the grieving heart, gives new courage to the despairing mind, overcomes all enervating fear, bears you triumphantly out of the slough of despond, and shortens the long night of waiting.

[devotion text by Rev. F. W. Herzberger (1920) -
from the Family Altar - CPH (1957 edition)]
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