John Calvin Commentary Lamentations 3:21

"This I recall to my mind; therefore have I hope." — Lamentations 3:21 (ASV)

We see here what I have already stated: that if we struggle against temptations, it will be a sure remedy for us, because our faith will eventually emerge again and gather strength; indeed, it will in a way be raised up from the lowest depths. This is what the Prophet now shows.

I will recall this, he says, to my heart, and therefore I will hope. How can despair produce hope from itself? This would be contrary to nature. What then does the Prophet mean here, and what does he understand by the pronoun this, זאת, zat? It means that, being oppressed with afflictions, he was almost lost and was also nearly persuaded that no hope of good any longer remained. When he would recall this to mind, he says that he would then have new ground for hope—that is, when he turned to God. For all who devour their own sorrows and do not look to God kindle more and more the hidden fire, which eventually suddenly turns to fury. This is why they clamor against God, as though they were doubly insane. But he who is conscious of his own infirmity and directs his prayer to God will eventually find a ground for hope.

When, therefore, we recall to mind our afflictions, and also consider how ready we are to despair and how prone we are to succumb to it, some hope will then arise and aid us, as the Prophet here says.

It must still be observed that we should be careful not to grow lethargic in our afflictions, for this is why our minds become completely overwhelmed.

Therefore, whoever would profit from his afflictions should consider what the Prophet says here came to his mind, for he eventually came to himself and surmounted all obstacles.

We see then that God brings light out of darkness when he restores his faithful people from despair to a good hope; indeed, he makes infirmity itself to be the cause of hope.

For why is it that the unbelieving cast away hope? It is because security draws them away from God. But a sense of our own infirmity draws us even closer to him; thus hope, contrary to nature and through the incomprehensible and wonderful kindness of God, arises from despair.