19. I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall.
20. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me.
21. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:
22. Because of the LORD'S great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
23. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
24. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."
25. The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;
26. it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.
27. It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young.
28. Let him sit alone in silence, for the LORD has laid it on him.
29. Let him bury his face in the dust--there may yet be hope.
30. Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him, and let him be filled with disgrace.
31. For men are not cast off by the Lord forever.
32. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love.
33. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men.
34. To crush underfoot all prisoners in the land,
35. to deny a man his rights before the Most High,
36. to deprive a man of justice--would not the Lord see such things?
37. Who can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it?
38. Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come?
39. Why should any living man complain when punished for his sins?
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Reflection |
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Remembering Who the LORD Is (3:19–24)
In the midst of the suffering servant’s difficult circumstances and darkness, there is a change—not only in the content of the verses, but in his attitude as well. This change in attitude is the result of his remembering and meditating on the character and personality of God. Before the radical change in attitude and perspective, the suffering servant’s understanding of God was based on his experiences. But now, he is viewing his experiences in light of who God is. The faith of this suffering servant ultimately points to the faith of Jesus Christ, the true Suffering Servant, who endured the cross and scorned its shame because of the joy that was set before Him (Heb. 12:2).
Surrendering to the LORD (3:25–39)
The suffering servant humbles himself and surrenders completely to the LORD and His will—even if it means giving up his own life. This is significant because the motif of the suffering servant becomes very clear in these verses, particularly verses 28 and 30 (which refer to Isaiah 53:7 and 50:6 respectively). He also recognizes that waiting for the LORD is not burdensome, but a delight, and that humans have absolutely no right whatsoever to complain against God. He is innocent, but treated as guilty. This suffering servant is ultimately realized in the person, life, and work of Jesus Christ—our Lord and Savior.
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Application |
- When you are depressed, frustrated, or in a difficult situation, do you reflect and meditate upon who the LORD is? Remember to view your circumstances in light of who God is, not the other way around.
- Do you focus on following Christ’s example? Although following His example is important, our ultimate focus should be on what Christ has done and who He is.
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A Letter to
God |
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Jesus, thank you for Your grace, for it is only by grace that I am able to see how messed up I am, and it is only by grace that You chose to love me and die for me. Please help me to surrender myself completely to You. In Your name. Amen.
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