Jeremiah 31–38; Lamentations (Oct 26–Nov 1)
This week we are going to learn the difference between murmuring and complaining and righteous longing. The Lamentations of Jeremiah came in a period of disaster for God’s people, but it was only one of many times that we have had cause to despair. The standard works are full of the Lord’s answers to the hard times of His people, but Lamentations allows the focus, for one week, to just be on the mourning.
Books:
An Endowment of Love by Melinda Wheelwright Brown
Eve and Adam: Discovering the Beautiful Balance by Melinda Wheelwright Brown
Segment 1
Scriptures:
Lamentations 3:22-24 (Great is thy faithfulness)
Lamentations 1:16 (The comforter is far)
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning, new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided.
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
(“Great Is Thy Faithfulness”, Hymns for Home and Church #1064)
Segment 2
Scriptures:
Lamentations 1:1, 2:1, 4:1 (Acrostic, first verse starts with first letter of Hebrew alphabet)
Segment 3
Scriptures:
Jeremiah 7:23 (Jeremiah’s call to obedience)
1 Nephi 2:16 (Nephi needed a softened heart too)
Lamentations 2:11 (Bowels are troubled)
Lamentations 1:14 (A yoke of transgression)
Segment 4
Scriptures:
1 Peter 4:12 (Trails aren’t a unique thing)
2 Nephi 2:11 (Opposition in all things)
Lamentations 3:22 (The Lord’s mercies)
Isaiah 54:10 (God’s kindness endures)
Mosiah 18:9 (Mourn and comfort)
Translations:
Mercies - hesed = Covenantal love, steadfast love, relentless love, perfect Godly love (Hebrew)
Segment 5
Scriptures:
Lamentations 3:1-3 (Brought to darkness without light)
3 Nephi 9:2-13 (Darkness follows iniquity, then healing follows)
3 Nephi 8:24-25 (Now is the time to repent)
Segment 6
Scriptures:
Lamentations 5:17 (Faint hearts, dim eyes)
Lamentations 5:1-3 (Plea for remembrance)
Lamentations 5:4-10 (National hardships)
Lamentations 5:11-16 (Social humiliation and loss of joy)
Lamentations 5:17-18 (Land in ruins)
Lamentations 5:19-22 (Appeal to God’s reign and mercy)
Words of the General Authorities:
Our Father in Heaven, as fellow passengers on Thy planet earth, we humbly pray unto Thee. We thank Thee for life and all that sustains life. We thank Thee for the beauties of the earth, for order in the universe, the planets, stars, and all things of eternal significance. We thank Thee for Thy laws that protect and guide us. We thank Thee for Thy mercy and loving watchcare. We thank Thee for our families and loved ones who fill our lives with joy. (Russell M. Nelson, “the Healing Power of Gratitude”, YouTube message premiered on November 20, 2020, recorded by Church News)
Read the transcript here.