John Calvin Commentary Lamentations 3:31

"For the Lord will not cast off for ever." — Lamentations 3:31 (ASV)

It is certain that there will be no patience unless there is hope, as has already been shown. Therefore, as patience cherishes hope, so hope is the foundation of patience; and for this reason, according to Paul, consolation is connected with patience (Romans 15:4).

This is the doctrine that the Prophet now addresses—that the faithful bear the yoke with meek and calm minds because they believe that God will eventually be favorable to them. From this also arises patience, for the faithful are persuaded that all adversities are temporary and that there will be a happy end, because God will eventually be reconciled to them, even though He gives them new evidence of His wrath. The rest tomorrow.

Prayer:

Grant, Almighty God, that as it is beneficial for us to be daily chastised by Your hand, we may willingly submit to You, and not doubt that You will be faithful, and not test us with too much severity, but that You will consider our weakness, so that we may thus calmly bear all Your chastisements, until we will eventually enjoy that perfect blessedness, which is now hidden from us under hope, and, as it were, sealed, until Christ Your Son will reveal it at His coming. — Amen.