We’ll spend two weeks on the opening chapter of Part II: Learning to Lament
We need to not only learn to lament,
we need to learn from lament.
Why?
Indeed, is this what God is doing in our world right now? Rousing a deaf world? I think so. Though none of us know when the end will come, we do know it will come. I listened to a panel of experts on eschatology with John Piper, each of whom held a different view on when Jesus will come for us: before the tribulation, in the middle of it, or at the end of it. Though they disagreed on timing, they all agreed there would be a time of great suffering, that Jesus would literally come back, and that one day He would reign forever on the new heaven and new earth — and only true believers would live forever on that new heaven and new earth. Perhaps that is why Solomon tells us:
It is better to go into the house of mourning than the house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man, and the living should take this to heart.
(Ecclesiastes 7:2)
I know for me it has been a time of soul-searching, more honest repentance, and, amazingly, a time when I’ve had a deeper sense of the presence of God. I do believe He heard our prayers for what to study at this time, and that Mark Vroegop’s book, Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy is a treasure, but so are each of you, and what you bring. One comment our own Dawn made was that she was truly getting to know you through your laments. Laments help us drop our masks and get so real! To be naked in Scripture is to be known, and we are becoming known to one another.
Welcome to Those Just Joining for Lamentations!
So glad to have you! We have just finished learning to lament from the psalms, but you’ll catch on if this is new to you. The lament is the way God gave us to pray when we are suffering. There are four parts:
- You turn to God (instead of backing away)
- You complain! (Yes — He knows what you are feeling anyhow — so tell Him.)
- You are still and listen to Him. You ask a question. You remember His character.
- You resolve to trust Him.
I do recommend you get Mark’s book, but even if you don’t, you will get much out of this. This week, if you don’t have Mark’s book, I’ve put the questions you will be able to answer in red.
All you need to do is make a comment and put in your name and e-mail (the e-mail will not be seen.) The first time you comment I need to approve you — but then you just hop on. Sometimes I have to approve you again if you put a link or some kind of alarm goes up — but usually not.
Welcome, welcome!
Highlights from Last Week
Here are just 4 from last week that not only sum up where we’ve been,
but prepare us for where we are going, into the deep book of Lamentations.
Mary:
I recently read Brennan Manning’s book, The Furious Longing of God. In it, he issues a 30-day challenge to pray “Abba, Father, I belong to You.” Today, when I prayed that, I broke down and wept. I can’t explain why, but it acted like a thunderstorm, coming out of nowhere and yet clearing the air. I think lament is like that; a clearing of the air between us and God. But if we don’t move beyond the complaint and ask, we stay in the storm and miss the rainbow promise of His presence.
Denise:
I have always loved the way the sky looks when a storm is coming our way…especially those magnificent wall clouds! I do not view them particularly as dangerous or something to fear. But in my life, the metaphorical dark gigantic clouds cause me to tremble not knowing how it will impact me. But now I can view them framing them as full of God’s blessings. As my mother had said many times when she was alive, “The darkest times have always been the sweetest times with Jesus.”
Diane:
The phrase “the clouds which you so dread are rich with mercy and shall break with blessings on your head”. I woke in the middle of the night last night with cold feet and could not get back to sleep with thoughts of scary news and fears of doom swirling about me. In these days of chaos throughout the world and close to home, it is hard NOT to fear. Our only hope is in our mysterious God who is “rich with mercy” and will make things right. This morning I am tired, oh SO tired. Aren’t we all? We must cry for mercy and repent for we have “gone our own way” but God has laid on Jesus the punishment for our sins! “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”(Isaiah 53:6) Thank you, LORD.
Nila: Here is a resource of 9 short videos from Michael Card on the Lament.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pr3mNGtxd-I&list=PLFv4y-PVQCXA29Ypy_B4usO7LyBOBnTFr
If you don’t have a book yet, answer questions in red.
Sunday:
- What stands out to you from the above and why?
- What lessons have you learned from “the house of mourning?”
Monday: Opening of Chap. 5: A Broken World & A Holy God
3. Read up to Shock and Awe and share what stands out to you and why.
4. Read Shock and Awe and share what stands out to you and why.
5. Read Never Forget
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- What is the historical setting of Lamentations 1 & 2?
- What is the acrostic nature of these two chapters meant to show us?
- Take one example of suffering from the following and share something you learned that you do not want to forget:
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- What is a historical example of suffering that stands out to you and a lesson learned we should not forget? (holocaust, slavery, a plague, a war…)
- What is a personal example of suffering that stands out to you and a lesson learned you should not forget?
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Tuesday: Read Lamentations 1
Prepare your heart with this psalm, which was sung after God’s people have lost Jerusalem and had been taken captive to Babylon. Music by Jason Silver. This is a shocking imprecatory Psalm — indeed, though we are to forgive and not to call vengeance down upon our enemies, we are also to voice our honest feelings to God, and then, as Mary said, move beyond that to trust.
(A story that may give you some comic relief in all of this, is when I mistakingly autographed a young woman’s book with Psalm 137:9, meaning Psalm 37:9 for she had just told me of an injustice done to her family. She, fortunately, came back to me and asked, “Why would you pray that my little ones be dashed against the rocks?” I was aghast and so thankful she came and asked!)
6. Read through all of Lamentations 1 slowly. Many pictures are painted to describe the pain.
Find a few that speak to you and, if possible, explain why.
7. Though Babylon was the enemy that besieged Jerusalem for 3 years and took people captive,
who is behind all this according to verse 5? Does it astonish you that God would do this to His
own? Why or why not?
Wednesday: A Broken World
8. In the book, read the section: Lamentations 1 & 2.
A. How is Jerusalem portrayed in verse 1?
B. What is the big question, as identified by Pastor Mark, in this opening chapter?
9. Read Broken by Sin
A. What pictures from Lamentations 1 does Pastor Mark point out the horror of sin?
B. Can you find any others in Lamentations 1?
C. How has a specific sin of yours brought pain and destruction? Can you lament it here?
10. Memorials, like the Holocaust Museum, can help us remember the weight of sin. Have you
visited any, and if so, how have they impacted you?
Thursday: Our False Lovers
11. Many of you have done studies on idolatry, perhaps my book, Idol Lies. If so, how are
our idols like false lovers?
12. Read the section: A Turning to God and share what stands out to you.
13. Read Hebrews 12:25-29
A. What warning are we given in verse 25?
B. What is God’s purpose in shaking our world according to verses 27-28?
C. How has God shaken your world in the last 4 months, and what have you learned?
Friday: Reflection Questions
14. Look at questions 1 through 4 and take two to answer.
15. Read through Lamentations 1 again and share anything that becomes radioactive.
Saturday:
16. What is your take-a-way and why?
192 comments
11. Our idols are like false lovers. For when we put idols in priority places in our lives, we go to them first instead of to our Lord and Savior who is our all in all. This is like seeking recognition of man first: by trying to please others we do not give first place to God. Only by seeking to honor him are we worshipping him alone.
12. Turning to God:So God draws a straight line from the peoples’ rebellion of God to the suffering of the people. It is a spiritual wake-up call. Yes, lament is an uncomfortable and yet helpful teacher, Mark points out.
13. The passage in Hebrews 12
A. the warning: To not to refuse to listen to God
B. God’s purpose in shaking our world: This is difficult but I believe that it is to wake us up to worship God with awe.
C. How has God shaken my world in the last 4 months? Well , most of the plans we had made for the spring and summer have been canceled. There has been disappointment and a new way of life. The good thing is that I have put more time into Bible study. The down part is that there have been no family times because that would require traveling. I am more thankful for each way that my husband has assisted me. I don’t think I am taking things for granted as I previously may have done. I am finding joy in God’s creation. But it is sad that I have been discouraged by my church family. The problems seem to be highlighted and there is discouragement there. I am glad for this blog and the sisters who share and pray for one another. I am getting the need for lament and how it causes me to turn to God. This is a time of suffering.
I believe that we all to often take our faith for granted. As with most of our blessings we don’t give God the glory for all he has done for us.
8. In the book, read the section: Lamentations 1 & 2.
A. How is Jerusalem portrayed in verse 1? Lonely.
B. What is the big question, as identified by Pastor Mark, in this opening chapter? How is the big question, how could God do this, how could God’s people survive.
9. Read Broken by Sin
A. What pictures from Lamentations 1 does Pastor Mark point out the horror of sin? The picture of her as a woman whose skirts had become filthy, her nakedness had been seen and she was despised and her fall was terrible.
B. Can you find any others in Lamentations 1? Verse 3, to be exiled and have hard servitude, that sounds like th horror of sin. That is enslaves us and because of sin he find ourselves under a cruel master, our addiction to sin, the world and the enemy.
C. How has a specific sin of yours brought pain and destruction? Can you lament it here? Holy and mighty God. Great is your name and worthy are you to be praised. Oh God how I hate my sin of sharing and talking too much. I hate that there are times that I do not have wisdom and my insecurity drives me and I share more about my struggles, as well as my struggles with others than is right and honoring both to myself, them, and to you. Lord it shames me that your support, and truth are not enough but that I at times seek others support and compassion sharing beyond a few advisors. Father will you help me to continue to grow in taming my tongue. In knowing when my sharing is about trying to seek others approval or support. God will you help me find my sufficiency, and my defense in you. Will you help me to strengthen my obedience when I do sense the Spirit cautioning me. I praise you God because you are good, merciful and forgiving, I also praise you God because you have helped me to grow, I am not the same person who had no filter or discernment as I was when I first met you. Please Lord help me to honor you and those around me by your Spirit in Jesus name.
10. Memorials, like the Holocaust Museum, can help us remember the weight of sin. Have you visited any, and if so, how have they impacted you? They tend to cause me to be quiet and introspective, the weight and enormity of what happened.
Tammy Jo: I could have prayed that prayer and have prayed that prayer especially in the recent struggle with a coworker. I am encouraged by your sharing of your struggle.
Love your honest prayer Tammy Jo. Thank you.
11. Many of you have done studies on idolatry, perhaps my book, Idol Lies. If so, how are our idols like false lovers? We turn to them to provide for us emotional, physical, or mental support that we should only be seeking from our true Savior. Similar to being a cheating spouse. Going to the world to have our needs filled rather than to Jesus.
12. Read the section: A Turning to God and share what stands out to you. What stands out to me is that in the rubble of the destruction of our sin, there is a chance for a spiritual wake up call, for us to find wisdom if we are willing.
13. Read Hebrews 12:25-29
A. What warning are we given in verse 25? That we will not escape judgement if we do not heed and we turn away from God who warns us.
B. What is God’s purpose in shaking our world according to verses 27-28? To remove what can be shaken so only that which cannot be shaken will be left.
C. How has God shaken your world in the last 4 months, and what have you learned? God has shaken my world in the last 4 months by taken certainty or maybe the illusion of it. As well as the easy fellowship I had with those I love. I have learned that its good to grieve. I have learned that I need to learn how to depend on God more and His unchanging character. That I also need to learn how to make Him the center, the rock, because all else is shifting sand. I have learned that something like covid19 can reveal how much people who identify as Christians can make political leanings or positions as a little g gods instead of going to the bible or the Lord.
8. In the book, read the section: Lamentations 1 & 2.
A. How is Jerusalem portrayed in verse 1?
She is portrayed as a broken widow and a slave now.
B. What is the big question, as identified by Pastor Mark, in this opening chapter?
The word “how” is the question. How can this have happened to me?
9. Read Broken by Sin
A. What pictures from Lamentations 1 does Pastor Mark point out the horror of sin?
I thought the word pictures he spoke of were so vivid. I could “see” the horror.
“Jerusalem has sinned.”
“She became filthy.”
“All who honored her despise her.”
“Her uncleanness was in her skirts…”
“She herself groans…”
B. Can you find any others in Lamentations 1?
“Judah has gone into exile because of affliction and hard servitude; she dwells now among the nations, but finds no resting place; her pursuers have all overtaken her in the midst of her distress.”
Lamentations 1:3 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/lam.1.3.esv
“All her people groan as they search for bread; they trade their treasures for food to revive their strength. “Look, O Lord, and see, for I am despised.””
Lamentations 1:11 ESV
https://www.bible.com/59/lam.1.11.esv
C. How has a specific sin of yours brought pain and destruction? Can you lament it here?
Oh Lord, I am turning to You, for You are the One who loves me no matter what. I need You Lord, now. It is time, please don’t stay away! Why do I do the things I do? Why am I such a selfish person, only looking to my own needs and not the needs of others? I am disgusted in my behavior at times. I know what I do is hurting, but I continue to behave poorly. I am so human! Forgive me for my sin, where I have been responsible for dragging others into a situation of longtime pain and suffering, one that was solely about my selfishness and my needs, where I was not concerned about the needs of others, only myself. I am sorry. Please help these people, who are no longer in my life, to give me mercy for my actions. Help them heal from my scarring of them. I know You love me and have always taken care of me, always. I have never wanted for anything because You were there to help me. I know this. Thank You for that. Amen.
10. Memorials, like the Holocaust Museum, can help us remember the weight of sin. Have you visited any, and if so, how have they impacted you?
I have visited Washington, DC and was very moved by all the memorials, but especially the Korean War Memorial. My dad fought in that war and the way that the artist used granite to represent the water (it has a great shine to it) and the oversized raincoats on the men really set the stage for me. The men are scattered about the greenery and I really felt like I was there! Love it. It was eerie to me.
Oh Laura — how we need to discern the difference between living in fear and throwing caution to the wind. May God help our church leaders have wisdom. Childcare is so hard! Yet necessary. I think Christians need to be bold and go where others fear to go.
11. Many of you have done studies on idolatry, perhaps my book, Idol Lies. If so, how are our idols like false lovers?
Idols seem to take the place of our need, but in fact they do not. They cannot replace the One who lingers in our hearts, our God.
12. Read the section: A Turning to God and share what stands out to you.
13. Read Hebrews 12:25-29
A. What warning are we given in verse 25?
To listen to only God.
B. What is God’s purpose in shaking our world according to verses 27-28?
He will get rid of the man made (created) things so that only the heavenly things remain. Things like religion and such.
C. How has God shaken your world in the last 4 months, and what have you learned?
Unfortunately, since protests are more important than church, that has my shaken world. You can go to a casino (in Massachusetts) but not to church. Our church has done an excellent job being “present” by being online daily and on Sunday mornings. The problem I have is that I am “over it,” and need to see people now. You can make a reservation to go to church but there is no child care. So, we are stuck at home. We can’t “manage” them for an entire hour in church. The tods would sit and draw the first month or so, but now they run around and I can’t concentrate. So, I have kind of given up. I have learned that we need fellowship of like minded Christians to keep us afloat. I am discouraged that our/my faith, as a whole, is weakening.
I missed number 12.
12. Read the section: A Turning to God and share what stands out to you.
“Lament is the song we sing in a cursed world.”
“There will be no more lament in the new Jerusalem.”
There will be no more tears.
We can gain wisdom from our broken world. We need to slow down, listen, and learn.
Oh, Laura. I feel so bad that you cannot go to church because of no child care and that you are suffering in your faith because of lack of fellowship and worship! I will pray that you find a solution. I am thinking about leading a Bible Study by Zoom in the Fall for a few friends, if you might be interested in joining us, but I know that isn’t the same as being present with people. Is there any way you can find a private daycare on Sunday mornings? Have you contacted the leadership of your church and voiced your need?
Oh, Lord, we cry to you for Laura. She needs you and she needs the encouragement and strength that comes from being with other Christians. In some ways, we are like the isolated persecuted Christians in Muslim countries now. Help us, Lord. You are powerful. Hear our prayer. Strength Laura, Lord. We pray Ephesians 3 over Laura that she be strengthened with power through your Spirit to hold on and thrive in these trying times. May Christ dwell in her heart through faith. Help her to be rooted and grounded in your love. Help her know your love that is wonderful beyond what we can possibly understand. May she be filled with your fullness, overflowing with your love and peace. May You be glorified in her life during this pandemic. (Ephesians 3:15-21)
Laura, I so grieve with you about your situation with your church. Ever since the start of the pandemic in, my husband and I have been racking our brains on how to reach out to families who have small children. Nobody wants to work in the nursery and since March, we have not conducted “Sunday School” for the kids nor adults. Most young families do not want to come to church even if we have it open while a few of us do a FB live in the church. Now as I say, this, I would tell you that our church only has a small congregation (about 60-70 tops). Most of the 11 adults who have come (we do not turn anybody away) are older and hardy. We practice social distancing and many wear masks. But it is not the same. Because of the smallness of our church, I have been able to reach most of our 30-35 families through texting, Zoom, and Email. But it is a big effort.
Some have come up to us and made suggestions and we have pursued some. So like what Diane suggested, maybe you can visit with one of your pastors and inquire about possibilities?
I host a prayer meeting every Wednesday and there are 4 faithful ladies who join me each week. I also hosted a study on Philippians for 6 weeks via zoom and I had 8 women join me (4 of which are the ladies who join me every Wednesday!) I am not sharing this to fish for compliments-just want you to know what we are doing. I am boldly asking God to enable me to host another study (James) during the school year.
Praying you will find sweet fellowship with a few ladies in your church and that God will minister to you in a special way these days so your heart will be encouraged. And that the God of all creativity will bring to your mind something that will meet your need as well as others. Love you, dear friend!
Oh Laura – don’t give up! I am grieved for you and hear your heart cry. Keep pressing on, persevering, holding fast to what you know to be true: God is faithful, He won’t leave you, He loves you and wants the best for you. Complain to Him, ask boldly of Him based on His word, and trust Him. I pray your church leaders will provide creative ways to minister to all their congregants – from children to adults. Praying all of these things for you!
Laura:
I believe that it is possible that this situation without child care may bring a unique sensitivity to those parents of children with significant disabilities who often cannot attend church even if there is child care. They are a silent lot that often are forgotten because they are invisible.
It’s kind of funny that in the little church I grew up in, there was no child care. I don’t know how my mom did it! We had lots of pads of paper and my mom would make animals and dolls out of her hankies. Of course that was back in the 60s.
I don’t believe that there is a going back to the way things were before…but I believe God is using this.
Thanks everyone, for the prayers and ideas. Our church leaders have been good about offering things online. I’m just tired of it. My husband suggested a radio receiver where you could tune into an FM station if you were sitting in the parking lot. They did an outdoor service and the kids played on the playground. It was pretty good! Since then we can sit at the playground and listen on our car Bluetooth via YouTube. We are the only ones out there though, so it’s just us again 🤷🏻♀️. It’s hard.
Diane and Bing, I would love to be part of a bible study like that. I can’t believe you have time to lead one Bing! Let me know.
Denise, we haven’t really tried having the tods in the service since the virus took hold. They would last for the worship music but not too much through the service is my guess? Cooper has been in a “naughty” stage recently with listening. Not sure I want to battle him when they are trying to video/conduct the service. I agree with you about special needs children….I’m curious what you mean about not going back to the way things were? My husband and I were perusing statistics today on corona virus vs. swine flu (which our son had when he was 12). 61 million had swine flu compared to 4.5 million for cv (CDC). I never knew they were calling it a pandemic then too. We weren’t freaking out about it either. Only 12,000 or so died; the CDC says older folks didn’t seem to have a problem with it because they probably had it earlier in their lives. Unfortunately 157,000 have died so far from CV. Are you saying we might not ever go back to church??? I don’t think I can think that way. That seems hopeless to me. We must go back.
I was just reading your stats on CV- 19 and your deep concern about getting back to church. The stats you gave about 157,000 deaths from CV are the US stats. Globally, as of 2:19pm CEST, 2 August 2020, there have been 17,660,523 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 680,894 deaths, reported to WHO. That’s a lot of deaths and many countries seem to be going into a second wave, eg. Australia, South America. We are far from getting a handle of this disease! It is very discouraging, for sure.
Friday: Reflection Questions
14. Look at questions 1 through 4 and take two to answer.
#2 What lessons have you learned from the house of mourning?
The “house of mourning” can be a wake-up call, an in-your-face confrontation of my own brokenness, and my need for God. I cannot do it on my own.
# list some examples of the brokenness around you or in you that have become too common and unnoticed.
I think of the verse Jeremiah 2:13 “My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.”
I have dug my own “cistern/s” instead of going to the source of living water. The cistern or idol of approval, control, and comfort. So subtle or unnoticed because they do bring a temporary fix to my thirst. But then, they never satisfy.
15. Read through Lamentations 1 again and share anything that becomes radioactive.
How the mighty and beautiful has fallen! “She who was queen among the provinces has now become a slave. All the splendor has departed from the daughter of Zion.”
The mention of Judah, Jerusalem and Zion struck me to mean that the destruction is encompassing of everything and everyone. Land, animals, property, and lives were devastated.
Saturday:
16. What is your take-a-way and why?
It takes courage to go to the “house of mourning”. It is easier to just deny the tragedy of the situation and have wishful thinking that it will go away and I will be left unscathed.
But when I do go to the “house of mourning”, I discovered that not only do I see myself truly but I also see God (Job 42:5 “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.”) and take a turn to trust Him and there lies my path to freedom and joy in this sin-sick world.
6. Read through all of Lamentations 1 slowly. Many pictures are painted to describe the pain. Find a few that speak to you, and, if possible, explain why.
The first word picture is that of Jerusalem being like a widow broken with grief. This spoke to me: “She sobs through the night, tears stream down her cheeks.” This portrait reminded me of what Dee wrote about in her book, The God of All Comfort, when she was alone in her bed at night, crying out to God, and feeling so alone. (I also loved how God met Dee through bringing to her mind how her baby would cry and scream and Dee was right there, trying to feed him, and God reassured her that he, too, was right there.)
7. Though Babylon was the enemy that besieged Jerusalem for 3 years and took people captive, who is behind all this according to verse 5? Does it astonish you that God would do this to His own? Why or why not?
It is the Lord behind all of this as HE is punishing the people for their many sins. I guess it doesn’t astonish me, reading it in the Bible, because the Israelites had such a long history of this sort of thing with God. They would obey and live in peace, rebel and He would punish them. He made it very clear, through Moses, that He would turn against them if they disobeyed. I do struggle with the idea that God is punishing the world with Covid 19. I think of the already weak and vulnerable, and lonely, people in nursing homes who were like sitting ducks for the virus, and how many of them have died. It always seems unfair when those whom God seems to be “for”, like the widow, the elderly, the poor, the lonely and sick, are disproportionately affected.
8. In the book, read the section: Lamentations 1 & 2.
A. How is Jerusalem portrayed in verse 1?
Jerusalem is described as a broken, lonely widow, and as a princess who is now a slave.
B. What is the big question, as identified by Pastor Mark, in this opening chapter?
The big question is “How?” How could this happen, how could God allow this, how are we going to live through this?
9. Read Broken By Sin.
A. What pictures from Lamentations 1 does Pastor Mark point out the horror of sin?
The pictures are of being filthy and humiliated as others gawk at your nakedness, being filled with shame and lying in the gutter with no one who will help you.
B. Can you find any others in Lamentations 1?
Being reduced to merely trying to survive, yet being surrounded by death everywhere. Being desolate with no one to bring any comfort.
C. How has a specific sin of yours brought pain and destruction? Can you lament it here?
Lord, You know how I have struggled with relational idolatry. I made my children my world, my identity, my purpose for living, my meaning in life, my comfort and security, depending upon them for love, companionship, approval, and my sense of well-being. Now that they are all adults, I have been grieving the loss of their fellowship, being involved in their daily lives, the way that I had structure and purpose in my days because of caring for them. Because my marriage is difficult and I often felt my husband did not meet my needs for companionship, I gladly separated from him emotionally and made my life all about my children and my family. Now I feel those feelings of being alone, lonely, and with no one to comfort. I am ashamed that I am such a slow learner in making You my first love, that I struggle with doing that at all. I shouldn’t, but my heart betrays me as to where my real affections lie. How can I better connect with You who is invisible to me? I remember how You have met me in the past, and now I have so much trouble to even focus on You. I am distracted by so many things. I feel my heart is divided. Please help me to become wholly Yours.
Such a good lament, Susan.
Thursday
11. I remember when your book Idol Lies came out and was intrigued to begin this study then. Now, I look forward to reading it.
12. Read section: A Turning to God – what stands out to me is we are living in a cursed world; sin is all around near and far; we witness sin’s effects up close and personal in our own family and home, community, state, United States (now that’s an oxymoron right now . . . United?!? ha!!) and beyond our borders to the whole world. There is so much hate, destruction, and death BUT thanks be to God Almighty, who was and is and is to come and “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Rev 21:4). He provides THE way out, He gives us hope and a blessed assurance that He reigns and rules. So what are we to do, how are we to respond? Deut 10:12 & 13, “what does the Lord your God require from you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and will all your soul, and to keep the Lord’s commandments and His statutes which I am commanding you today for your good.” He is for us! Thanks be to God!!
13. Heb 12:25-29
A. The warning in vs 25: is don’t refuse Him who is speaking! Hebrews is God’s final Word spoken through His Son. Throughout this book He beckons & beseeches us to “Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” and to “encourage one another day after day as long as it’s called Today.”
B. God’s purpose in v 27-28: Creator God is on the move; He is shaking this world up and He wants to get our (His created ones made in His image) attention. I think His purpose is to show He IS God and WE are NOT – so we need to show Him (the) respect and gratitude and reverence and awe since we are in His kingdom, we are His kingdom-ites, His kids, and He is worthy.
C. How has God shaken my world these last 4 months? My husband has rheumatoid arthritis. He takes some pretty powerful meds to control & manage the RA so that he can continue to work and function normally. However, because his immune system is compromised, he self-quarantines. He used to do all of the grocery shopping and different errands (to the lawn & garden store or pet store or whatever). Now, I do all of the shopping (not a good thing, really, since we decided years ago that he does much better at it and doesn’t spend as much as I do 🥴). I still go to work as there are only 2 of us in the office at any one time and we have light foot traffic in and out. We do require all people who come in to the office to wear a mask and of course, not to come in if they’ve been exposed to Cov-19 or if they’re not feeling well, etc.
We have not been able to celebrate birthdays and holidays with our daughters and their families. We have not been able to spend any real time with our 5 grandsons. (We have dropped off gifts on the sidewalk for the boys, who will come out and then we can talk through the car window 😏 . . . but THIS IS NOT the way to spend time with the boys! 😕) One of our daughters (mother to 4 boys & teacher of 1st graders) lives with her in-laws in a multi-generational family of about 10-12 people. Several of her in-laws work in grocery stores, thus come in contact with many more people. Because of her living situation, we (my husband’s dr., my husband and I) believe it’s best to not see them since they could potentially expose my husband to a whole host of germs. This is hard! I miss these boys. Of course, we can & do talk or face-time or text, but I miss the skin-to-skin touch and kisses and hugs. I miss playing games and reading with them and having them sleep-over. I miss . . . them.
Besides our nuclear family, we’re also missing our church family and activities: Sunday church in person, mid-week Bible Studies in person, bbq’s with church family, coffee with friends, “dinner & dominoes” with our good friends, prayer groups & meetings, . . . just the fellowship with each other. At first, I kind of appreciated the “opportunity to disengage,” I didn’t mind “getting” to have a break from church and activities and liked the “excuse” to isolate. Now, though, I wonder about what will be in the next 4 months – will we get to celebrate Thanksgiving together, in person? and what about Christmas? Perhaps we’ll have a vaccine by then? 🤨perhaps we’ll have to celebrate with only one daughter and her family at a time?😥 perhaps the Lord will return?!! 🤗 only He knows what the future holds and we will do our best to hear His voice, stand firm, and hold fast.
14. 3. List some of the examples of the brokenness around you or in you that have become too common and unnoticed. The loss of those around me that include relational losses. Everything from a long time widow, to mothers and fathers passing away, to loss of (relationships) boyfriends/girlfriends/fiances.
15. Read through Lamentations 1 again and share anything that becomes radioactive.
“Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look around and see.Is any suffering like my suffering that was inflicted on me,that the Lord brought on me in the day of his fierce anger? Lamentations 2:12
This verse stood out to me. In light of all the sorrow that surrounds me. Do I take notice of those hurting around me.
16. What is your take-a-way and why?
My take a way is that not only is lament a bridge to the Lord, but so is repentance. Actually repentance is needed like a stamp on a passport or plane ticket to board a plane in order to enter fellowship with Him.
Oh Tammy Jo – I LOVE your take-away!
oh gosh, ladies . . . I didn’t mean to write such a book on my last post!! 😲
No worries, Karmen! I love how you keep it real!
No worries! It helps to get to know you better and how we can pray for you 😉.
14. Choose two reflection questions.
#2). What lessons have I learned from the ‘house of mourning’? Our lives On this earth are finite, and we never know when it will be our time to leave. We never know when someone else’s days are up. Based on those statements, love lavishly and hold ‘stuff’ very loosely. Right now is the best time to say ‘I love you’, or do that thing you’ve been thinking about – the phone call, visit, gift, reconciliation. Don’t wait to do good.
#4). What are some ways lament can reorient your thinking about the world and yourself?
Lament takes me out of the center of the universe, where I’ve never belonged, and puts God back into it, where He does belong. Lament reminds me there’s a bigger story, a bigger purpose than what I see or think. The reason behind why we need lament, is a humbling one. Being humbled is a good thing, especially if I do it of my free will instead of waiting until it is forced on me.
15. Anything jump out from another reading of Lamentations 1? From the second part of verse 9 on, the majority of the text is in quotes, but I wasn’t sure who Jeremiah was speaking for. Himself, personifying Jerusalem, or something else? I tried to look it up but had no success. It probably isn’t even important, but it seemed odd to me and I wanted to know.
I love this, Mary: “Lament takes me out of the center of the universe…”
8. In the book, read the section: Lamentations 1 & 2.
A. How is Jerusalem portrayed in verse 1?
B. What is the big question, as identified by Pastor Mark, in this opening chapter?
9. Read Broken by Sin
A. What pictures from Lamentations 1 does Pastor Mark point out the horror of sin? As a broken, lonely widow. A princess who is now a slave.
B. Can you find any others in Lamentations 1?
Jerusalem, once a beautiful city of honor, is filthy, disgusting, and detestable.
C. How has a specific sin of yours brought pain and destruction? Can you lament it here?
I find that the greatest risk of sin is in the damaging of relationships…relationship with God, relationship with others, and relationship with myself. I have experienced all three.
10. Memorials, like the Holocaust Museum, can help us remember the weight of sin. Have you
visited any, and if so, how have they impacted you?
I have had a keen interest in the Holocaust since high school, before it was ever depicted on television. It was the subject of my very first research paper in 11th grade. I have been to the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC 3-4 times. Every time I have visited, I haven’t been able to talk for quite some time. It’s as if it all transported me into a different place that I just can’t snap right back to the here-and-now just because I’ve completed my visit. It overpowers me.
My take away is to be more impressed that lament is very important. So many are struggling now with the balance between staying healthy and following the health guidelines and the restrictions regarding visiting family and friends and church. My heart goes out to so many here. What is the Lord trying to teach us his people at this trying time in history? How do we show love when we cannot do it in the familiar and sometimes essential (i.e. touch) ways? Some advocate throwing caution to the wind and trusting God. Some say if we love our neighbour we will follow all the guidelines and self-isolate. This old hymn expresses my prayer.
God of Grace and God of Glory (to the tune Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah)
1 God of grace and God of glory,
on your people pour your power;
crown your ancient church’s story,
bring its bud to glorious flower.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage
for the facing of this hour,
for the facing of this hour.
2 Lo! the hosts of evil round us
scorn the Christ, assail his ways!
From the fears that long have bound us
free our hearts to faith and praise.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage
for the living of these days,
for the living of these days.
11. Many of you have done studies on idolatry, perhaps my book, Idol Lies. If so, how are
our idols like false lovers?
Dee, I have read your book, Idol Lies, many times and listened to Tim Keller’s sermon. It has really been helpful to classify the three idols: power and control, comfort and security, approval and affirmation. All of these lovers have a barb at the end of their hook. They groom you to destroy you.
12. Read the section: A Turning to God and share what stands out to you.
I have been mindful of the brokenness and destruction happening here in the United States which has been acute the past few months but like a pot of water that eventually boils, the heat has been rising for some time. I ponder the statement of the author, “laments invite us to consider the lessons emerging from the rubble.” We are living in evil times when sin is glorified and righteousness is considered evil. I am asking God for wisdom and the lessons He wants, not just me, but for those of us in the Church and in the country to learn. I do know He wants us on our knees more than He wants us on Facebook.
13. Read Hebrews 12:25-29
A. What warning are we given in verse 25?
If those who were judged by not heeding the words of the prophets, how much more will we be judged not heeding the words of God Incarnate.
B. What is God’s purpose in shaking our world according to verses 27-28?
So that we do not become attached to it, but rather become invested in the Kingdom that cannot be shaken.
C. How has God shaken your world in the last 4 months, and what have you learned?
Between my helplessness during my recovery from major surgery, the COVID-19 pandemic and all the shifts that has required in my life, the divisiveness and destruction in our country, to a major battle with a coworker at work…it just continues to crowd me to Jesus. It causes me to focus on what is really important. It leads not only to lament but confession. And I am reminded of the truth upon which I stand.
14. Look at questions 1 through 4 and take two to answer.
Question 1: What were your impressions of Lamentations before reading this chapter? I really only knew of the view verses of Lamentations in chapter 3 that are often quoted and were memory verses in my 2-year discipleship course. I thought if there was more to it, we would have studied it somehow. It wasn’t an area of Scripture, with the exception of the verses in Chapter 3, I don’t recall seeing anything mentioned in church. Maybe that was part of my intrigue in this study…it was something I never really considered before.
Question 2: What lessons have you learned from the ‘ house of mourning.’ There is nothing like the house of mourning to give you perspective. It gives me new eyes and is what God has used in my life as He has brought me comfort thereby to comfort others. Sometimes I give information to my patient’s families to help them get connected with resources or help them with a variety of psychosocial needs. Most come back for me to repeat or re-emphasize what they already know. Even though I “know” God is Sovereign, my devotion is to be toward Him, that I should invest in the eternal, etc., sometimes the house of mourning is God’s underscores to what I already know. I also deeply believe that it has been in the house of mourning where He has made His presence known to me in ways that could not happen in other seasons. When I am at the end of myself, He shows up. When I unclench my hands, He can fill them or take away to give me something of greater value.
I love your insight here: “it has been in the house of mourning where He has made His presence known to me in ways that could not happen in other seasons. When I am at the end of myself, He shows up. When I unclench my hands, He can fill them or take away to give me something of greater value.” So true!!
Agree!
14 (2): Lessons learned from the house of mourning: this is kind of so basic – but I’ve learned that, in the past when I asked “how long, O Lord” and when I recognized that not only was I broken but so is this world – this is my “house of mourning.” This brokenness brings grief and sorrow, but (as Mark says) it can also bring wisdom if we are willing to slow down, listen, and learn. This is so true.
14 (4): Ways that lament can reorient your thinking about the world and yourself: lament either drive us down into a dark pit or can drive us to look up to the Lord. The reorientation takes place when the focus moves from “me” to “He;” when I remember that this world is not my home but I am just passing through on my way to the eternal land of the King.
15. Lam. 1:4 – “the roads of Zion” reminded me of an old song by Petra, “The Road to Zion” – the lyrics and song are timeless
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA2mSqHFjeM
Road to Zion
Petra
There is a way that leads to lifeThe few that find it never diePast mountain peaks graced white with snowThe way grows brighter as it goes
There is a road inside of youInside of me there is one tooNo stumbling pilgrim in the darkThe road to Zion’s in your heartThe road to Zion’s in your heart
The river runs beside the roadIts waters living as they flowIn liquid voice the water callsOn thirsty knees the pilgrim falls
Sometimes a shadow dark and coldLays like a mist across the roadBut be encouraged by the sightWhere there’s a shadow, there’s a light
Sometimes it’s good to look back downWe’ve come so far – we’ve gained such groundBut joy is not in where we’ve beenJoy is who’s waiting at the end
16. My take away and why? This is always a hard one for me to answer; it’s hard to sum up all that I’ve read, pondered, learned in the past 7 days. I was reminded of Michael Card’s song, “Joy in the Journey” – and I think that’s my take away. I pray for His joy to shine out of me on this road to Zion, on this journey home. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fIP_bKxjLs
Wednesday:
8) A) lonely, a widow, once a princess but now a slave
B) The big question is “How?”
9) C) A few months before I turned 15, my dad’s associate, who had been put in a position of trust, crossed the line with me. Things didn’t go far because I pushed him away but this happened in the middle of the night when I had been asleep in my room. I was shocked and things seemed to go in slow motion when my dad welcomed him into our home the next time he knocked on the door after I had told my parents everything that had happened. There was other company at the house that day but I was so stunned and sickened that my dad seemed to be choosing the “bottom line” over me. I was the one who felt so unwelcomed that I left the company and went and stayed in my room. My home and parents never felt safe to me again. I had not had a close relationship with either of my parents. They’re just not that kind of people. Although my dad was always a financial provider and my mother was always a competent administrator of the house, kitchen and basic needs in a timely but perfunctory way without motherly engagement. As babies yes but not as young children or teenagers. I know the hard work that they put into it with five kids was what they believed encompassed their roles. Two months after this happened with my dad’s associate, the month I turned 15, I started dating someone 6 years older than me. I thought it might keep me safe as my parents might feel that they had to show him respect if not to me. Long story a little shorter, I got married at eighteen. My heart was breaking as I walked down the aisle because I knew that I did not want to marry him. When I had told him that I wanted to go to school like my friends were after graduation he pouted, I mean two hours face down in a pillow. I didn’t perceive tears or sniffling, just pouting. His apartment was small and there was no where else to look except that his face was in his pillow. I did not know how to handle something like that at sixteen. Today I would walk out and let the person have “their time”. My parents didn’t have the psychological capacity to engage with me on where my life was going at that critical age. The despair I walked down the aisle with never left me and to try to make this long story a little shorter, I separated from him in ’99 and the divorce was final in 2002. I have never remarried.
Up until my early forties I was keeping some hope to maybe have a second chance at marriage and having more kids but that possibility never materialized. At this age, mid-fifties, I don’t have a longing to be married. I do appreciate being single and not dating. Participating with the friendships of women matters but otherwise I feel satisfied with the intimacy that I have with Jesus. The greatest bonding that I have experienced with the God of my redemption was when I was forgiven and pursued by my bridegroom, Jesus Christ. Because of Him, God sees no blemish in me and I am grateful that He held on to me to sanctify me in the hard times. Where I still feel the greatest sorrow though is for my daughter because I know that she bears the scars and sense of loss that go with experiencing a broken home.
Father God, I lament my daughter’s broken heart caused by my sin as well as the generational sin passed down to her from my parents and their parents down through me. But also Lord the impact that the generational sin from her father’s side has had on her and continues to have on her. Lord I entrust my daughter to You, praying that You will show mercy to her because of Your forgiveness of my sin as well. I pray that You will be sure to bless her and pour out on her the knowledge and truth of Your presence with her, that You have chosen her for Your own and are pursuing her even today, making up for what the locusts have eaten in her foundational years, healing what lingers on even to this day. It’s Your love and presence that she needs Lord. Mend her broken heart the way that only You can. Become her true parent the same way that You became mine so that she has no doubt whose she is and that she is most certainly sealed and chosen by You for eternity. In Christ’s mercy and power. Amen.
Oh, Father, I lift up Lynne to you right now. Lord, she knows You as Father and as Bridegroom, and for that we praise and thank You. Would You wrap Your loving arms around her and surround her with Your presence? Give her the strength of Your joy. Shine out through her life and her face, her words and her listening. Continue to bring further healing into her life. And then, Lord, we ask for her daughter. We ask that You would reveal Yourself to her. That You would give her a great hunger and thirst for You and for Your word. Satisfy her with Your riches, and give her the hope of a future with You.
Thank you for praying for my daughter and I Mary, it means a lot.
Oh, Lynn. I pray for you and your daughter. Lord, have mercy on Lynn and her daughter and continue to show them your unconditional love. May the past be redeemed and for beauty to come out of ashes in their lives. There is nothing too hard for you, O God.
Oh Lynn — you have suffered many betrayals.
Father,
I thank you for Lynn — have seen a depth in her, but I see it is a depth born of brokenness. I do pray You will continue to heal her, let her know you are the Father and Husband who wiI ll never betray her, but love her so. I lift up her daughter, that You will draw her close and break the chain of pain.
Thank You for bringing her here. In Jesus Name I pray
Lynne, I am praying for you and your daughter.
14. What lessons have I learned from the house of mourning? Yes, I have been through some suffering and have sat alongside others who have had even more suffering, namely my dear friend whose son fought hard against cancer and we’ve prayed together. In the house of mourning I have turned to my scriptures and they have come alive to me. The promises of God have kept me stable and looking upward for I am much more aware of my dependency on Jesus who has gone to prepare a place for me and my sister in Christ. John 14:1-3 Yes, I trust in God’s mercy and salvation Psalm 13:5 I know God will be with me through suffering and death Psalm 23:4 I have always loved this whole Psalm. The house of mourning reminds me of my faith. Praise God who gives me every good and perfect gift, even though the suffering is painful.
Lament can reorient my thinking about the world and myself. So as I live in this difficult time I can turn my heart to God and complain and lament about the tragedies all around me: the deaths of so many from covid, the hurt of many from injustice, the anger of some and resulting violence. I can turn my complaints to my trust in the One who gives comfort, who is just and who never forsakes me. In the same way I can see my weaknesses, my times of disobedience and know that I can place these confessions before God who knows my heart and every thought, but who promises to forgive my sins and to cleanse me. I John 1:9
15. Lamentations 1 what is radioactive? Well, as I listen to my dramatic reading it is verse 12 for I hear in such a sad voice, “Look and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow, which was brought upon me, which the Lord inflicted on the day of his fierce anger.”
My take away: My world is in turmoil because of sin and God sees and will judge, yet he is merciful to his own, though we may suffer we do have hope.