The book of Lamentations was written by the prophet Jeremiah. This five chapter series of laments were written while Israel and Judah were in exile and Jerusalem was in ruins. Here are the opening lines.

Jerusalem, once so full of people, is now deserted.
She who was once great among the nations now sits alone like a widow.
Once the queen of all the earth, she is now a slave.
She sobs through the night; tears stream down her cheeks.
Among all her lovers, there is no one left to comfort her.
All her friends have betrayed her and become her enemies.

After laying out the sorrowful condition of Jerusalem and their relationship with God, comes an admission of Israel and Judah’s sin that has led them to this disastrous situation.

He wove my sins into ropes
to hitch me to a yoke of captivity.
The Lord sapped my strength and turned me over to my enemies;
I am helpless in their hands.”

➼ Reflect on the personal areas of pain you are lamenting. How has sin in yourself and in others brought you to this place?

For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom[a] and forgave our sins.

➼ This promise gives us confidence to seek our Heavenly Father in repentance. In your own words or in the words of King David, bring your sin to the cross.

Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me.

➼ Take 10 minutes to read the news as part of your devotional time. Invite the Holy Spirit to read the news with you. Pick one article to read thoroughly. As you do, ask God to show you sin’s part in that current crisis.

The leaders of beautiful Jerusalem sit on the ground in silence.
They are clothed in burlap and throw dust on their heads.
The young women of Jerusalem hang their heads in shame.
I have cried until the tears no longer come; my heart is broken.
My spirit is poured out in agony as I see the desperate plight of my people.
Little children and tiny babies are fainting and dying in the streets.

➼ Reflect on the area of brokenness and suffering the Holy Spirit has drawn your attention to. Describe the suffering and injustice you observe and cry out to God for mercy and forgiveness. Ask Him to restore his Kingdom.