Candle in a Dark Cave
Theological Ponderings
The first time I learned about it, this book captured my attention. A small paperback on the book of Lamentations structured in a unique way. It systematically goes through Lamentations chapter by chapter. Half of the book is a verse by verse commentary that helps you understand the text, and the other half is counseling insights that help you connect theology to life. A complimentary union that gives you a wide angle lens on life.
Lamentations intrigued me. A miserable book with wide emotions, and a blossom of hope right in the middle. Jeremiah writes five funeral dirges (one in each chapter) as he sits on a heap of ashes and overlooks Jerusalem and laments how it has fallen. Yet, the words of Lamentations 3 spark like the flame of a candle in a pitch dark cave. Such beloved words of hope that people stick them on the bumper of their car and stitch them onto the throw pillows of their couch.
“The lovingkindness of Yahweh indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
‘Yahweh is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘Therefore I wait for Him.’”
—Lamentations 3:22-24
Why does hope shine in the middle of the book and not at the end? Why does misery and suffering follow after the exclamation of hope in the middle? These were my questions that made me hesitate to embrace such light.
When endurance expired
At the age of 10 and struggling with single digit math, only reading three-letter CVC words, and unable to handwrite legibly—something was wrong. My son was frustrated. I was frustrated. Conflicts sparked quickly. Efforts were forfeited. Why try again, we were defeated. This was homeschooling? It was a different experience from my older two boys. Reusing the same level curriculum for three years in a row was the final red flag that brought me to the end of myself. There was no progress.
Sketching out the scenario from my point of view, it was all dark. I failed to teach my son. Frustration and anger ignited easily under the surface of our flesh. The weight was on my shoulders. What did I do wrong? Where do I turn for help? The scenario was only illuminated when I re-sketched it from God’s point of view. Understanding this comes from God set me up to turn to Him. Seeing God’s ultimate control turned my eyes.
The candle in my cave
With God all things are possible. (Matt 19:26)
God is able to save completely and at all times (Heb 7:25)
No purposes of His can be thwarted. (Job 42:2)
Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me? (Jer 32:27)
God is the one who forms our senses and abilities. Our limitations are designed by God. Yet, He enables us to be faithful. (Exo 4:11)
Dimming light: the remnant of a trial
We were able to enroll our son in a private Christian school. The school has the staff and resources to help my son. The school setting provided better structure to his day. The staff’s training gave them endurance and focus to love on my son, to come alongside him, help him learn and progress. Relief from my struggle brought hope in my dark circumstances.
Yet, my favorite part of Lamentations is not the center flame, it is the dimming light that follows in chapter 4. For the Israelities, pain remained after repentance. Like coming down after a sugar crash, lingering hardship brings disillusionment. Lamentations 4 is the reality after repentance, the consequences of the siege of Jerusalem still remained after they turned to Yahweh. The dimming light of Lamentations 4 reminds us that we need faith that abides, an ongoing tenacious faith is needed for victory over despair.
Look and see!
Acknowledging the heavy weight of your circumstances is ultimately the hand of God brings hope. In chapter 2 of Lamentations, God takes responsibility for the calmaties Israel has found themselves in.
“As the prophet writes this second song lamenting the destruction of Jerusalem, he wants us to understand clearly from the beginning that God is the One who has done this…We must put away from our minds any fragment of perverted theology that refuses to give God credit for suffering since God in His Word identifies Himself as the sovereign cause…Though all pain and suffering is the result of the curse of sin upon the earth and some personal suffering is the result of person sin, the Bible consistently identifies God as the One who ultimately orders our afflictions. Whether our suffering is a direct consequence of our own sin,or the sin of others,the truth remains that the pain is meant to purify us and bring us back to God in a humble spirit of repentance.” (Kress and Tautges)
Remember and return!
The smallest candle can make darkness flee and illuminate my sight. Look and see your God and Savior. Seeing God accurately is what brings light to darkness. Ongoing trials can dim your light, but remember and return. See the relentless pursuit of the Lord through pain. God’s compassion is connected to His covenant. The only real hope in this dark world is a compassionate and merciful look from God. Sustained repentance is a determined faith that abides in the Lord.
This is beautiful, Sandi. I frequently feel like we’ve seen that key verse from Lamentations on home decor and throw pillows so often that we lose the context. You perfectly position it in the proper flow of the text. I screen shotted your candle verses!