For the Lord will not cast off forever, but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men. Lamentations 3:31-33
In these verses we find two truths that sustain us in the middle of deep suffering. First, we need to know that our suffering is not random and meaningless. Verse 32 tells us that God sometimes “causes grief”. It comes by design.
But that truth alone is not enough to comfort. What if the God who designs these things for us is cold and cruel? What if we are only small pawns on His cosmic chessboard that are easily disposed of? We need to know not only God’s awesome sovereignty but also of his infinite goodness and love. Amazingly, verse 33 says, “God does not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men”.
Put the two verses together and we are faced with an incredible reality about God. He causes grief but not willingly. He wills in one way what he doesn’t will on another.
According to verse 32, what is the core of God’s heart toward us in the midst of suffering? Remember that “compassion” is a feeling word. Why is this truth so comforting to know? What conception about God, common in suffering, does this adjust and answer?