In your lifetime, difficulties will arise and despair will creep into your heart. There is no way to avoid it, for sin invades every area of the world, from social structures to the environment to our relationships. Knowing, then, that you are guaranteed to experience suffering, it’s wise to understand how to approach it.

The prophet Jeremiah wrote Lamentations, a book of grieving, after Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC. His city was in ruins, the temple was shattered, and many people were killed.

Following a series of brutally honest laments, Jeremiah (seemingly out of the blue) turned to God and worshipped: “Yet I call this to mind, and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness” (Lam. 3:21-23).

It is important to notice that Jeremiah didn’t ignore his suffering or act like he wasn’t in pain. For three chapters, he grieved and pleaded and wailed without restraint. In the same way, it’s important for you to be honest about your struggles. There’s no sense in denying it because God already knows. It is OK to experience pain.

What’s equally important, though, is Jeremiah found hope in the midst of his pain by remembering the nature of God. He didn’t give temporary misery the final word, but instead praised the Lord for His unwavering, eternal faithfulness.

Unlike your circumstances, God will never change. This truth allows you to approach suffering with steadfast trust like Jeremiah did.

Today, remind yourself of God’s character and let your heart be filled with hope.