What is the meaning of Lamentations 3:40?

Let us examine

“Let us examine and test our ways, and turn back to the LORD.” (Lamentations 3:40) opens with a gentle, collective invitation to look inward.

• Self-examination is a normal rhythm for God’s people—seen when David prays, “Search me, O God, and know my heart” (Psalm 139:23-24).

• It happens under the spotlight of Scripture rather than personal opinion; James 1:23-25 likens God’s Word to a mirror that shows what is really there.

• Paul urges, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5), linking honest reflection with spiritual health.

• The plural “us” reminds us that whole communities, families, and congregations benefit when everyone pauses to ask, “Where do I truly stand with the Lord?”

---

and test our ways

Examination moves to action when we test our ways—measuring daily choices against God’s standards.

• The Thessalonian church heard, “Test all things; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

• Israel was told, “Consider your ways” (Haggai 1:5-7) when their priorities drifted from God’s house to their own houses.

• Key areas to test:

– Motives (Proverbs 16:2)

– Words (Matthew 12:36-37)

– Relationships (Ephesians 4:31-32)

– Use of time and resources (Ephesians 5:15-17)

• Testing reveals where repentance or renewed obedience is needed, not to condemn but to restore (1 Corinthians 11:31-32).

---

and turn back to the LORD

Self-assessment that never circles back to God is only half the journey. Lamentations calls for decisive repentance.

• “Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God” (Hosea 14:1) echoes the same heartbeat.

• Joel 2:12-13 highlights that returning involves both heart and action.

• Acts 3:19 promises that turning back brings “times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord.”

Practical steps:

– Acknowledge sin without excuse (Psalm 51:3-4).

– Confess openly to God (1 John 1:9).

– Forsake the old path and embrace obedience (Isaiah 55:7).

– Rest in the Lord’s steadfast love and fresh mercies (Lamentations 3:22-23).

---

summary

Lamentations 3:40 draws us into a three-fold pattern: deliberate self-examination, honest testing by God’s Word, and wholehearted return to the Lord. When we walk this path, we experience His cleansing, renewal, and steadfast love in real time.