First comfort, then salvation

Encouragements

55I called on Your name, Lord,

Out of the lowest pit.

56You have heard my voice,

“Do not cover Your ear from my plea for relief,

From my cry for help.”

57You came near on the day I called to You;

You said, “Do not fear!”

58Lord, You have pleaded my soul’s cause;

You have redeemed my life.

– Lamentations 3:55-58
(NASB® © 2020)
Mark as Favorite and save for later! (0)
Please login to bookmark Close

In the deepest pit, the poet of Lamentations, presumably Jeremiah, called out to God. And God drew near to him with a “Fear not!”[1]. Only then came the deliverance of his soul, the redemption of his life.

This is often the case. First we receive comfort. And this comes on the very day we call out. Only later does salvation follow. Are you satisfied with God’s comfort as long as salvation from your difficulties has not yet become a reality?

Footnotes:

  1. Incidentally, this is the only direct word from the mouth of God in the Book of Lamentations. It is this well-known and comforting cry. A cry that penetrates even the deepest pit of our lives!

Comments (0)

No comments yet.

Share this article:

You want to contact us? Ask a question or let us know what you think! 

Write a message here!

Leave a Comment

Do you know the Father?

This article is about how God the Father comes close to us in the Lord Jesus and how we can recognize in his actions, his love and his nature that the Father is just as trusting, merciful and trustworthy as the Son reveals him to be.
John 14:9; 12:45
Descipleship

Don’t curse!

Ecclesiastes 10 warns that incompetent leadership brings decay, yet it also cautions us to guard our hearts and words toward those in authority—reminding us that even private contempt shapes our attitude and can lead to unintended consequences.
Ecclesiastes 10:16,20

A woman dressed like a prostitute

In this article, Proverbs 7 is examined as a sober warning about temptation, responsibility, and moral danger, with practical lessons for believers living in a highly sexualized world.
Proverbs 7:10-23

Mothers wanted

In this article, the biblical concept of “mothers in Christ” is explored, using Deborah and New Testament examples to highlight their vital spiritual role among God’s people. The focus is on qualities such as devotion to God, discernment, encouragement, and loving care that continue to be needed today.
Judges 5:7
God/Jesus Christ

Why shouldn’t we pray to the Holy Spirit?

In this article, the question of why Scripture speaks of praying in the Holy Spirit rather than to Him is examined, while affirming His full deity. The focus is on the Spirit’s role as the divine power enabling believers to approach the Father through Christ.
Ephesians 6:18; Jude 20; Romans 8:26-27
Marriage & Family

The precious echo of a father

A doctor tells a moving story from his childhood, reflecting on his relationship with his father.
Genesis 37:13
God/Jesus Christ

The Glory of God

In this article, the relationship between God’s light and love is reflected on, showing how the finished work of Christ removes fear and gives the believer peace before God. The focus is on confidence that flows from knowing Christ is exalted in glory as proof of complete forgiveness and justification.
1 Peter 1:21; Isaiah 6:1,5,7; Luke 5:8

A shift in emphasis

In this article, the foot-washing in John 13 is used to show that Christ’s authority as Lord comes before our understanding as His disciples. The focus is on trusting and obeying Him unreservedly, knowing that He is both Lord and Teacher.
John 13:13,14
Bible Study

David’s Son and David’s Lord

The following article is about the Lord Jesus’ question to the scribes about Psalm 110 and how it reveals the unique glory of his person as both David’s Son and David’s Lord.
Matthew 22:41-45
Encouragements

The Prayer of Hannah

In this article, Hannah’s prayer is considered as a powerful example of bringing deep distress honestly and persistently before the Lord. The focus is on how prayer not only brings answers from God, but also brings inner change and peace even before circumstances improve.
1 Samuel 1:10-15

Sidereus Nunicus

In this article, the vastness of the universe and the growing knowledge of the stars are used to reflect on the greatness, power, and wisdom of God. At the same time, the focus is on the Creator’s love, shown in Christ, who entered His creation to bring help and salvation to people.
Jeremiah 33:22; Isaiah 55:8-9

Be Like a Locust

In this article, John the Baptist’s unusual diet is used to draw spiritual lessons about a believer’s heavenly outlook, appetite for God’s Word, and orderly service.
Mark 1:6