She weeps bitterly in the night, Her tears are on her cheeks; Among all her lovers, She has none to comfort her. All her friends have dealt treacherously They have become her enemies. Lamentations 1:2
After reading the above passage, at first glance one would think the author is speaking of a woman he knows and has compassion for. But that would be taking the verse out of context.
If you are a woman, you may relate to the suffering this woman has had (or someone who has). But this passage is not talking about an unnamed woman, it has an entirely different meaning.
I’ll make a feeble attempt at comparing the reality of a woman’s pain with what the author intended.
Women who have suffered in love can certainly relate to this passage.
Many women have wept over a shattered marriage, a broken relationship, or a loss of a husband. They have experience deep hurt, betrayal, and abandonment. Perhaps they have placed their trust in romantic partners for security, love, and fulfillment. But human love often falls short.
Many seek their worth and identity in relationships rather than in Jesus. And then there are the well-meaning friends. They can lead women astray with their opinions on relationships and situations, sometimes resorting to falsehoods to undermine a relationship.
Human love can be fickle, and man will fail you… but God’s love is infinite and always available. He will never forsake you. It’s best to rely on His unfailing promises.
However, the passage is not about a romantic involvement at all.
Jeremiah, the author of this book and an ancient prophet, repeatedly warned Israel. He finds no pleasure in saying, “I told them, but they wouldn’t listen.”
He poetically describes his immense angst and sorrow by personifying Jerusalem as a woman. Likewise, he describes the “lovers” as being Jerusalem’s allies who vowed to protect “her” but eventually turned on “her” and became “her” enemy.
Israel has always faced an inescapable choice… either “she” relies totally on God for her protection or turn to “her” allies for protection.
A woman faces a similar choice: to place her trust in God or to seek fulfillment in a relationship.
Here are some scripture passages that will encourage anyone going through a difficult relationship issue:
Who do you put your trust in? God or man? Leave a comment below.