When I pray with my charismatic brothers and sisters, I feel like a dripping faucet next to a roaring waterfall. Jeremiah tells us to
CRY OUT! POUR OUT YOUR HEART LIKE WATER!
Our own Mary used this good image of how a waterwheel begins when water is poured into it:
We turn to Him with our lament, He fills us with His grace to trust, and we are moved forward to our next time of needing to lament and bringing our emptiness to Him.
Jeremiah, in Lamentations 2:19 says:
Cry out in the night!
Pour out your hearts like water!
Lift up your hands to him
for the lives of your children
who faint from hunger!
With help from Lamentations 2 and Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy, let us, together, get water to get our waterwheels going!
Highlights:
A huge highlight for me personally was when Becky came on, a woman I met in a Bible study for resident’s wives and their friends forty-five years ago. We connected once since then when I was speaking in Oklahoma, but that was long ago as well. Becky is a fountain of wisdom and knows all about the lament. Her husband died suddenly at 52, and that was followed by the death of first one son, and then another. Her story is BIG and I’ll save it for another week during this study. But this is Becky’s family before she lost her husband and two of her sons.
Then you, as always had wonderful thoughts. I am thankful to several newcomers, who are trusting this group enough to pour our their hearts like water. And you, wonderful sisters, are joining them in earnest prayer..
I realize that it is dangerous to do highlights, for some may feel over-looked. I received a convicting e-mail a few months back from a woman who said I never commented on her post — though she was on for a long time. I looked — and it was true. I so need grace here — if I continue to miss you, know that God does not. I am asking the Lord if it is wise to do highlights, for there is in this the potential to hurt.
But, for now, I’m continuing.
Tammy Jo on learning from lament:
I have learned that God may not immediately change my circumstances, but He can give me the strength to endure. I have learned that in the same season there can be great sorrow and rich blessing. I have learned that some pain goes so deep, and brings such great damage, that only God can heal only God can speak into those places. I have learned that I don’t have to have the answers, that being there, just being present, can be comforting. I have learned that I don’t have to have the answers but just trust the God who gives and takes away.
Mary B on why suffering and lamenting has value:
It makes me think of the Velveteen Rabbit. Becoming Real means suffering and loss, but is so worth it because of love….we can savor life better for awareness of lament. When I worked hospice, we often told people that a terminal illness could be a blessing, because it gave people a chance to do all the really important relational things.
Diane on the danger of blaming others for our sin and suffering
Another lesson is the blindness of humans to blame each other and denigrate each other – one of the worst results of blame is genocides, such as the holocaust and also slavery. It seems unthinkable that anyone should blame another race of people for their own sins and to humiliate, mistreat and even eliminate them or enslave them; but it is sadly too common even today. We have seen it this year in North America in humbling and very sad ways through the murder of blacks and indigenous by the hand of police officers.
Susan on how awareness of the pain of others can help us do simple things
Susan
What are even small gestures that I can make to show others how loved they are? The other week at work, taking time to brush a patient’s dentures was a small act that I could do. Wouldn’t I want someone to care about if my teeth and mouth were clean?
Denise, a newcomer, who has suffered deeply, and brings a storehouse of wisdom because of it:
Grief from the death of someone with Alzheimer’s is often disenfranchised because everyone assumes you feel relief…but the truth is, even when she was not able to interact with life, I could still hold my mother’s hand.
And, as a Christian social worker in pediatric palliative care
I remember meeting with my old college friends, several I had not seen in 38 years. We all caught up with each other, but I felt a part of my life was hidden. How could I say, “Oh by the way, yesterday I sat with a woman for 12 hours holding her dead baby and crying primal sobs.” And when you deal with that every day, others whining and complaints seem trivial. I could relate a lot to what Mark said in this section. It is HARD to sit with someone in their pain, knowing there are no words, no wisdom of any value that you have to give but just a calming presence and sit in someone’s sorrow.
Lynn poured out her heart about the abuse she suffered as a child, and her parents’ closing their eyes to it. I thought she was so insightful as to why they did — their idols — so I was so thankful for those of you who prayed, pouring out your hearts like water.
Sunday:
- What stands out to you from the above and why?
- What do you think it means to pour out your heart like water — are you gaining in your ability to do this through the lament?
Monday: God’s Perspective
Though we may feel shocked that our Father could pour such suffering upon His children, I have found what the Puritan Jonathan Edwards says so helpful. He explains that God sees us through two lenses: “the infinite complexity of the divine mind is such that God can look through a narrow lens or through a wide-angle lens.” In the narrow lens, He sees us as individuals, as cherished children. He knows our names, dialogues with us, and loves to give us joy. In the wide-angle lens, He sees His eternal plan to birth, rescue, and refine a “pure Bride.”
3. There is a great reversal of God’s behavior toward His children — see if you can find it in each of the following passages:
A. Once God covered Zion with blessing, allowed the building of a beautiful Temple as “His footstool.” (See Isaiah 60:13) Now what, according to Lament. 2:1?
B. Once God honored her princes, allowed her to be His mouthpiece (her horns), and protected her with His right hand. Now what, according to Lamentations 2:2-3?
C. One God was the friend of Israel, now what, according to Lamentations 2:4-5?
D. What are some of the ways He has shown His anger, according to Lam. 2:6-9?
4. Has God ever felt like “an enemy” to you? Looking back, is your perspective any different? Why or why not?
5. Does Jonathan Edwards’s thought on God looking through two lenses help you? Why or why not?
Tuesday: The Wisdom of Lamentations
6. The Lament is not only to help us pray our tears but to learn. Read, in Dark Clouds Deep Mercy, the section in Chapter 5 (in the book, page 5) under The Wisdom of Lamentations: Sin is the Real Problem and share your insights or comments.
7. Read the next section: My Sin and Suffering are Not The Only Problems and share your insights or comments.
Wednesday: We Watch the News So We Know How to Lament (Mark Dever)
At the risk of sounding political, I want to share two news reports to set us up to lament. I will tell you personally that I do not see a godly leader running for President and I am so conflicted. I see each candidate doing terrible things, yet also each supporting some good things. What do I do? I pray. I lament. The World and Everything In It had a program interviewing Mindy Belz, who has lived for years in these persecuted countries. Once many could find asylum in the United States, but now we have almost zero admittance to those in great danger. You can read or listen to this if you like, though my main point is to help us sit in the chair and lament for persecuted Christians.
https://worldandeverything.org/2020/07/u-s-turns-its-back-on-christian-refugees/
These executions happened on July 21st in Nigeria as a warning against converting to Christianity. Here is the information on the men:
The name of the Christian men who were murdered:
- Ishaku Yakubu, an aid worker from Chibok with Action Against Hunger was a member of the Church of the Brethren.
- Luka Filibus, an aid worker from Monguno with the International Rescue Committee was a member of the Church of the Brethren.
- Joseph Prince, a private security firm worker, was a member of the Redeemed Christian Church in Maiduguri.
The Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari said that the two other men executed worked with Nigeria’s State Emergency Management Agency and a company named Rich International.
8. Please sit in the lamenting chair and pour out your heart like water for our persecuted brothers and sisters, for their loved ones, and for our leaders.
Thursday: Let Your Tears Flow Like A River
9. Read Lamentations 2:10-22
A. What particularly moves you in this passage and why?
B. Pray Lamentations 2:19 either personally or for suffering in the world.
Friday: Lament Awakens The Soul
10. Read the last section in this chapter: Lament Awakens the Soul and share your insights and comments.
11. Lament here the pain your “false lovers” have brought you, and, if it is appropriate,
turn to God in repentance.
Saturday: Take-A-Way
12. Answer two of the reflection questions and share a take-a-way.
175 comments
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Tammy Jo’s comment about not having to have answers but trusting God who gives and takes away, and that God may not change our circumstances but gives us the strength to endure. This resonates with me for I am learning the same.
2. What do you think it means to pour out your heart like water — are you gaining in your ability to do this through the lament?
I think it means to never stop lamenting, like the waterfall wheel-so poignant. The more we lament the more we surrender and trust. Our circumstances become less weighty and His absolute Beauty begins to weigh heavier and joy, joy, joy- even while in pain! Perhaps when we pour our hearts out like water the more our heart’s posture becomes, God with you all things are possible. If you are willing please take this away… yet not my will but yours.
I am so grateful to God if I am gaining in my ability to pour out my heart to Him- it is all Him for as Tim Keller says, I can be bi-polar!! I must confess that God had to slowly rip out my relational idolatry first (my oldest son when he turned, and now my marriage), for me to truly learn to lament and depend on Him-and not try to control. This is ongoing but in small ways I am letting go more and more and His Beauty-overcomes my circumstances and has been taking me to higher places which makes me thirst more.
Rebecca,
I also confess that God has had to deal with my heart in my relational idolatry. Painfully necessary. And it surely is an ongoing process.
Please remind me what message it was that Tim Keller said he can be bi-polar in this regard of controlling and releasing.
Thank you.
I have benefited much from a John and Stacy Eldridge in recent weeks and months. They have an app called PAUSE that I often go to. John provides heartfelt prayers of releasing everyone and everything to our Lord. Sometimes I need the voice of someone else to simply say Amen to as they lead out in prayer. They also have a youtube message titled “Benevolent Detachment” that has been so helpful.
Nila, I have heard him say it a few times but I can’t recall which sermons. That said, I think it could be on the keynote speech of his I posted on my fb page on how to deeply change. I love John Eldridge! I am often asking God to show me what I should do. Right now I am hearing, wait so I am waiting.
Thank you Rebecca, for encouraging me to wait.
Thank you, Rebecca, for being willing to share with us what you are learning as you suffer deeply. It is so helpful. This group of ladies is the BEST!
REBECCA — WE SO STAND WITH YOU IN PRAYER!
Thank you sweet Dee!
Rebecca, I see such wisdom in your posts and such pouring out of your heart to Him. We join you in prayer. I too have been dealing with relational idolatry – expecting things from others that only God can and should supply. As Nila says, oh so painful; but necessary!
Diane, yes, only God can supply. Thank you so much for praying. 🙂
Love and hugs to you sweet sister in Christ. I am sitting shiva with you. ♥️♥️
Laura, it is sweet to come here this morning and know you all are praying for me and are loving on me. Only God can do that! 🙂 Love and hugs to you too Laura.
Praying Rebecca that you feel the Lord’s presence, His arms surrounding you as you wait on Him.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Such wise counsel from all the ladies! This is why I am here. I don’t feel so alone in the suffering of my life when others open up and explain their situations. I appreciate and love you all! I am praying for you too 😉.
2. What do you think it means to pour out your heart like water — are you gaining in your ability to do this through the lament?
I have always been a whiner I guess? I didn’t think I was, but children on the playground used to tell me that. In some ways I guess I just feel like you should communicate your feelings, not hold them in? I GUSH! But, others don’t necessarily want to hear it. I get it. Most want a happy “great!” when asked how they are. I want the truth. I want to know your pain so I can get dirty with you! So…..with respect to lament, I have cried hard, yelled at, and beaten walls and beds at God to LISTEN to me PLEASE. I have BEGGED Him to change my life and the life of others. I feel like I have the lament down, just not with the finesse that the Psalmist(s) did. I need order, not chaos I suppose. I’m good at complaining (hahaha). I’m pretty bold. The one thing I could do better is to remember how He has helped me in the past. I love to learn though, and I love to hear about how others do this “life” thing that is required of me right now. So I remain a faithful follower of a very sweet woman’s blog. Thank you Dee for helping me through; for teaching me well.
Laura-when i read your post and saw “you” once again I automatically thought..so honest and tender Laura is. oh my how Jesus must love your honesty and your boldness. Your heart is so soft that you are so bold! I am sure He loves that about you and loves you! 🙂 🙂
Laura — you are so honest — it’s wonderful. Jesus says to come like children — no pretense — and you do. Keller says the world stuffs or vents, we are to pray — to lament. So, good job!
Sunday
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
I am thankful for the highlights as I may not be able to read everyone’s response. I must say there are so many talented ladies here that can put their thoughts into words so elegantly and I find myself at times retreating in responding because it’s already been said so well. I am constantly fighting the idol of approval, even on this blog, and I have to remind myself that I already have God’s approval and also I’m in a place where I am loved and accepted.
2. What do you think it means to pour out your heart like water — are you gaining in your ability to do this through the lament?
I think it means laying your heart out before God and being honest with your hurt or struggle. This last week my daughter was going through some rough things and I literally cried out to God, sharing my anger, complaints and what my requests were and chose to trust Him. It was a roller coaster of a week and I knew the the only thing I could do was pour out my heart to God. Where else could I go? I am learning to have an attitude of lament as this draws me to Him first and the cycle goes on.
Oh Sharon — you add so much.
Love that you are liking the lament.
So funny, Sharon! I often feel the same way, that I could never comment so eloquently as the others. But I love how everybody comments in their own words and my notebook is full of your copied comments! I like what you said, “Where else could I go?” I think that is just where He wants to have us!
Yes, I too, Sharon are constantly fighting that idol of approval. “I already have God’s approval and also I am in a place where I’m loved and accepted.”
Prayers for your daughter; it does seem we are on a roller coaster lately.
Sharon – I agree. I really appreciate the summaries, as well!
Monday
3. There is a great reversal of God’s behavior toward His children — see if you can find it in each of the following passages:
A. Once God covered Zion with blessing, allowed the building of a beautiful Temple as “His footstool.” (See Isaiah 60:13) Now what, according to Lament. 2:1?
In His anger cast a dark shadow across beautiful Jerusalem, which lies in dust, thrown from the heights of heaven, and shown no mercy… even to His temple.
B. Once God honored her princes, allowed her to be His mouthpiece (her horns), and protected her with His right hand. Now what, according to Lamentations 2:2-3?
Without mercy He has destroyed every home in Israel, broken down the fortress walls of beautiful Jerusalem, brought them to the ground, dishonoring the kingdom and its rulers. Beneath His fierce anger Israel’s strength vanishes, He withdraws protection as the enemy attacks and He consumes the whole land like a raging fire.
C. One God was the friend of Israel, now what, according to Lamentations 2:4-5?
He bends His bow against them as thought they were His enemy, His strength used against them to kill their finest youth, His fury poured out like fire on beautiful Jerusalem, vanquished like an enemy, destroyed her palaces and demolished her fortresses. He’s brought unending sorrow and tears upon beautiful Jerusalem.
D. What are some of the ways He has shown His anger, according to Lam. 2:6-9?
Broken down His temple, blotted out all memory of the holy festivals and Sabbath days, rejected His own altar and despised His own sanctuary. Given Jerusalem to her enemies, determined to destroy the wall of beautiful Jerusalem, made plans for their destruction then did as He planned…the ramparts and walls fell before Him. He smashed the locks and bars of the sunken gates. Kings and princes exiled to distant lands. Her law ceases to exist, prophets receive no more visions from the Lord.
4. Has God ever felt like “an enemy” to you? Looking back, is your perspective any different? Why or why not?
Yes. My perspective is much different because I’m not in the middle of the storm that made me feel like an enemy. I can look back and even though I may not totally understand why I know who He is and His love for me.
5. Does Jonathan Edwards’s thought on God looking through two lenses help you? Why or why not?
Being a photographer this is very helpful. I love macro photography and have taken close up pictures of our huge garden spiders that we have hanging around. It is a much different perspective to see them up close, their eight legs…two long ones in the back, two short ones in the middle and then the other four are long ones in the front, they look so soft and fuzzy with beautiful colors of yellow, gold, black and white and the webs they weave look like rope. I have also photographed them from a distance and to see their webs in the morning dew with the sun shining through them…they look like pearl beads, not ropes, but you can see in the bigger picture of all the work they’ve accomplished with those eight little legs! I think that’s what God sees through the wide angle lens is His purpose for us, but yet up close He sees every detail of what will accomplish that purpose.
Great illustration on spiders to bring Edward’s metaphor to life.
Sharon – You’re a photographer, too! I love your summation and agree with every word!
Yesterday: Jeremiah had such love for God’s people. Even after the people listened to the false prophets (Lam. 2:14) and treated Jeremiah despicably, he had such a compassionate heart for these disobedient people. Although the people are reaping what they sowed, Jeremiah “poured out his heart like water before the face of the Lord” in true loving intercession for all God’s people, himself included, just as Jesus did for us. (Rom. 5:8). I want a heart of love and compassion like Jesus’.
Today: C. Once Judah’s friend, God has become like her enemy. Once a prosperous, blessed people of God, Judah is seen in the book of Lamentations as a people who are suffering the consequence. God is dealing with their continued disobedience. We know that God has not left them completely as seen in the heart of Jeremiah. It’s like the heart of Jesus Who “always lives to make intercession for (us).” (Heb 7:25) He tells us that if we choose to be friends with the world we make ourselves His enemy. (James 4:4). Although I was once alienated from God, I am brought near by the blood of Jesus. I don’t want to be friends with the world but to have a heart of love, Jesus’ heart. I lament because of my sin of selfishness. I pour out my heart in repentance and ask God to give me a heart like His. I will “hold my soul in quietness before the cross.” (Amy Carmichael in Rose From Brier)
“hold my soul in quietness before the cross”
Beautiful!
Becky,
How I love Amy Carmichael.
Thank you for this: I will “hold my soul in quietness before the cross.” (Amy Carmichael in Rose From Brier)
I have long loved these words by Amy:
Amidst the multitude of thoughts
Which in my heart do fight,
My soul, lest it be overcharged,
Thy comforts do delight ~
Becky, you said it so well, how Jeremiah was like Jesus in caring for the very people who hurt Him. I didn’t see that on my own, so thank you!
Elisabeth Elliot introduced me to Amy Carmichael’s work…thank you for reminding me.
3. There is a great reversal of God’s behavior toward His children — see if you can find it in each of the following passages:
A. Once God covered Zion with blessing, allowed the building of a beautiful Temple as “His footstool.” (See Isaiah 60:13) Now what, according to Lament. 2:1?
There is a shadow over Jerusalem now. She lies in dust.
B. Once God honored her princes, allowed her to be His mouthpiece (her horns), and protected her with His right hand. Now what, according to Lamentations 2:2-3?
He has broken the walls down to homes and the city itself, without mercy. He has foregone His protection of the city.
C. One God was the friend of Israel, now what, according to Lamentations 2:4-5?
He has destroyed Jerusalem. He has brought sorrow and tears to her.
D. What are some of the ways He has shown His anger, according to Lam. 2:6-9?
He has broken down the temple, blotted out the memory of holy festivals and days, rejected His altar, given her palaces over to her enemies, destroyed her walls and gates, her kings and princes have been exiled to other lands, her laws no longer exist, her prophets no longer see visions.
4. Has God ever felt like “an enemy” to you? Looking back, is your perspective any different? Why or why not?
YES! In fact I have those feelings right now… This summer is so very difficult with the babies. I wonder if we have done the right thing in keeping them? I always wondered how grandparents who were raising their grandchildren could have given them up, as I have seen happen. I think I know the answer to that now. It is hard work! Being older is good in someways, but the physical aspect is definitely difficult. It’s also hard to remember what to do when they are not so compliant. They used to be so good! Now that they are three and four and we are struggling with behavior, I wonder if God is paying us back for something? My husband is really the one who struggles mostly and I vacillate between making him happy and making tods happy. I feel stuck in the middle. If you think to pray for my husband George I thank you. Pray for our relationship to be stronger than our attention to the tods. Some days I get nothing done but playing with toddlers… I’m trying to be patient and embrace the time because I know that it won’t always be like this.
5. Does Jonathan Edwards’s thought on God looking through two lenses help you? Why or why not?
I do like the imagery! It means that God has His hand on my life but is also working for the good of all. He can multitask well! I need to know how to work both lenses like Him, but I don’t think it’s possible being so human. How did others here, with children, manage to keep their marriage strong and in front of their kids? I can only seem to do one or the other. 🤷🏻♀️
Oh Lord, I cry out to you today for Laura and George. Right now Laura is in the middle of a storm and her vision is limited and we ask how long, why and where are You? I ask that you would open George’s eyes to the need to come along side Laura and help, give her relief and support. Please give Laura a glimpse of Your purpose for all that she’s enduring so she may remember that You are not her enemy, that You do care deeply. Remove the dross so that she may reflect Your beauty more and more. May she put her trust in You moment by moment through this challenging time. In Your precious name, Amen.
Laura, God is definitely not paying you guys back for anything. He’s not spiteful. I am your age and I know how tiring it is just having some of the grandkids for a 3 day weekend (7 that are 11 months to 6 years old). I found episodes of Supernanny (Jo Frost) to be helpful for effective discipline steps that don’t involve yelling or spanking (something that I could have done a little less of when raising my children, lots of major regrets in that area). I’ll be praying for you, George and your entire family.
Lord, I lift up Laura and George to you. Help them find you as their middle strand, the 3 stranded cord that can’t be easily broken. I know they are weary, I can’t even imaging taking care of toddlers in a fulltime perspective. I get tired with mine but can send them back home. Let them all feel your presence Lord. You were the one that orchestrated this situation, so I know Lord that you are still in control of it. I can’t give any advice on how to keep the marriage strong, as mine failed, but what I can say is that I know Lord they both love those kids and want the best for them. Help them to remember that when times are tough. As Laura said Lord, this time is limited, the toddlers will soon be older and their time as it is now will change. Help them weather the storm they are in now Lord. They need you to steer the ship. In Jesus Name Amen
Oh, dear Laura! Your stories touch my heart. Your lot in life is certainly very difficult. And on top of the toddlers, you have the heavy weight of care for your daughter. Oh, I pray the Lord will bless you and keep you, lift up his face upon you and give you peace. Much love, dear sister.
Dear Lord, I add my voice to the others and agree with them in prayer for George and for Laura. Please bring them through this hard season knowing and loving each other and You more than ever. Like rays of sunshine that break through clouds, bring them encouragement and affirmation and strength. Your word says that You bring us from strength to strength, like traveling in the desert between oasis. Do that for them. Give them breathers. Give them help. Give them songs in the night. Yes, Lord, give Laura her request that their relationship be stronger than the needs of the babies.
Thank you for prayers. It brings tears to my eyes this morning to see them. Yesterday wasn’t so bad of a day (compared to last Monday). Maybe the prayers and our sticker chart are helping us through? The respite comes when they return to school. Thank you Jesus for their amazing preschool teacher! Thank you Jesus for all the ladies here who have such wisdom and who care to pray. Praise and glory to the King of Kings!! Amen!
Laura – I am so so so grateful that you and George are there for those toddlers. You are doing no greater work than you are with the wet cement that is there little hearts and minds. I will pray for you both for energy and sustenance. Little is much when God is in it…but I would never say that what your doing is little. I stand with you!
3. There is a great reversal of God’s behavior toward His children — see if you can find it in each of the following passages:
A. Once God covered Zion with blessing, allowed the building of a beautiful Temple as “His footstool.” (See Isaiah 60:13) Now what, according to Lament. 2:1? Covered her with a cloud of anger, hurled down her splendor from heaven to earth.
B. Once God honored her princes, allowed her to be His mouthpiece (her horns), and protected her with His right hand. Now what, according to Lamentations 2:2-3? He brought dishonor and destruction without pity
C. Once God was the friend of Israel, now what, according to Lamentations 2:4-5? He is dealing with Israel like an enemy and foe (I noticed it doesn’t say he is their enemy and foe, it just say like an enemy and foe; at least in the NIV)
D. What are some of the ways He has shown His anger, according to Lam. 2:6-9? He rejected the alter, his sanctuary, kings and priests. He let the enemy breach the walls of protection.
4. Has God ever felt like “an enemy” to you? Looking back, is your perspective any different? Why or why not? I wouldn’t say that he felt like my enemy, but he definitely felt far away and I felt like I was being punished. It was a time when I was severely depressed and while seeking treatment, my best friend and co-worker turned on me and totally betrayed me. My perspective is different in that he did what I was begging him not to do which was lose this friendship, but later I could see more clearly how I was making an idol of her and it was affecting every aspect of my life.
5. Does Jonathan Edwards’s thought on God looking through two lenses help you? Why or why not? That’s kind of how I already viewed God’s position. All of life’s events were known to him and ordained by him before the earth was even formed, yet he cares about tear that I have ever cried.
Oh Dawn, how hard that had to be, that at your weakest, the one you thought would help you through, had become your enemy. I’m glad you can see how God worked in that situation for your best interest.
I was in the midst of that storm when I met all of you lovely sisters in Ohio.
Sunday:
1. What stands out to you from the above and why? – I loved the imagery of the water wheel. What came to my mind is that nothing in my life will move on if I don’t first get started giving it all to the Lord. He is the only one that can help me know which why I should move. If I don’t start moving toward him, turning toward him, my life will be stagnant right where I am currently at. Dee I will be praying for the Lord to lead you in the direction He wants you to go. Whether you stop the highlights, or continue and for him to lead you where you respond on the blog. I appreciate the times you do respond on any of the ladies comments, your responses are always helpful to me. With so many of us responding and keeping up with the blog, I can’t even read everyone’s. So thank you Dee for always being sensitive to all of us. I truly appreciate you and I know the Lord will lead you where he wants you to go.
2. What do you think it means to pour out your heart like water — are you gaining in your ability to do this through the lament? – I think pouring out my heart like water means that I don’t just hurry and check the box that I prayed. That I really need to find my quiet time with the Lord, cry out to Him with whatever is on my mind at that time and know that he will hear me and help guide me to know that He is speaking to me. For me when I have a heavy heart I find myself more and more using our lament exercises to go to him. I am trying each time to put my prayer in to the 4 steps of lamenting…1. Turn to Him, 2. Complain to Him, 3. Ask Him my questions and 4. Trust in Him to answer.
Julie, “nothing in my life will move without my giving it to the Lord”. Wow. What an encouragement to all of us!
Monday: God’s Perspective
3. There is a great reversal of God’s behavior toward His children — see if you can find it in each of the following passages:
A. Once God covered Zion with blessing, allowed the building of a beautiful Temple as “His footstool.” (See Isaiah 60:13) Now what, according to Lament. 2:1? – In Lamentations 2.1 it is saying that the Lord has forgotten his footstool in his anger. He has now covered Zion with his cloud of anger and taken His glory away from Zion
B. Once God honored her princes, allowed her to be His mouthpiece (her horns), and protected her with His right hand. Now what, according to Lamentations 2:2-3? – He has pulled all his protection away from Judah and took all the dwellings of Jacob. He has brought them down in dishonor.
C. One God was the friend of Israel, now what, according to Lamentations 2:4-5? – The Lord has become like the enemy and taken away what they thought was more important to them the He was. He couldn’t let them continue on as they were, he had to give judgement to them as it was due.
D. What are some of the ways He has shown His anger, according to Lam. 2:6-9? – He placed them in a situation where they could not enjoy their feasts any longer. He removed them from the sanctuary where they were no longer able to worship him. The rules for them had changed. The prophets no longer received visions from the Lord. Oh my to not be able to worship Him any more, my goodness that would be hard. I don’t ever want to get to this point, and with what I’m seeing in this world we live in today, oh wow, I feel sorry for those who thing He is a joke. The life of misery will be on them soon if they don’t stop and repent of their devious actions.
4. Has God ever felt like “an enemy” to you? Looking back, is your perspective any different? Why or why not? – My first answer would be yes, because I felt like he wasn’t hearing me, but as I start to read Lamentations with this study, the Lord was no way near like an enemy to me. I have never felt any of these things in Lamentations 2, I don’t feel him that far away. It is now more of me waiting on His timing and not that he has abandoned me in any way. Like my earthly parents, they would not always get us what we wanted right away, that is the side of the Lord I am seeing now. He is not my enemy.
5. Does Jonathan Edwards’s thought on God looking through two lenses help you? Why or why not? – God sees us through two lenses: “the infinite complexity of the divine mind is such that God can look through a narrow lens or through a wide-angle lens.” In the narrow lens, He sees us as individuals, as cherished children. He knows our names, dialogues with us, and loves to give us joy. In the wide-angle lens, He sees His eternal plan to birth, rescue, and refine a “pure Bride.” – I feel a little afraid when he looks through the wide angle lens. I feel that I am no where near the perfect Bride he is expecting to see and that scares me. The small lens, is more close up and he can only see what is fitting in that lens frame, but I make mistakes still that as he changes lens to the wide angle, the Lord will not see His perfect plan in me at all. I pray he can see improvement and that my background images are starting to get fuzzy as he moves farther away to see the bigger picture. But on the other side of this, the wide angle lens gives me the urge to work even harder at pleasing him as he views me with the wide angle lens. I want him to see that I was not a bad choice, that he sees improvement in my actions and thoughts. Oh Lord I am trying to get to that perfect pure bride.
“I want him to see that I was not a bad choice, that he sees improvement in my actions and thoughts. Oh Lord I am trying to get to that perfect pure bride.” Love your heart, Julie.
That statement of Julie’s made me sob, Dawn! As earthly brides want so much to be beautiful and pleasing to their groom, we so want to be beautiful and pleasing to our dear Lord. And yet, we fall so far short. I am learning how much He loves us despite our imperfections and downright failures and that He is only looking for His beauty to be reflected in us, not our own beauty. I so feel Julie’s sentiment. Thank God for our beautiful Jesus.
1. What stands out to you from the above and why?
From Tammy Jo-“we don’t have to have the answers but to trust God.” In our church where my husband is the pastor, people often look to us for answers and it is humbling to acknowledge that we do not have the answers to life’s perplexity but that God cares for and loves them. It is also freeing to not have the answers and be not a god to members of our congregation.
2. What do you think it means to pour out your heart like water — are you gaining in your ability to do this through the lament?
Just to let it go as God can take anything from us. Somebody quoted something I believe on this blog and I googled the phrase and it brought me to Dee’s blog of 6 years ago! Am not sure I was with the blog yet. Tim Keller quoted Derek Kinder- talking about the lament of Psalm 39, Kinder said, “The very presence of such prayers in Scripture is a witness to His understanding. He knows how men speak when they are desperate.”
I feel like I am presently between a rock and a hard place caused by a lack of foresight of somebody. And that person seemed oblivious to what she has caused. Ugh. I am committing myself to help this person finish what she has started but I am asking God to send some relief. There is a professional aspect that is at risk for me personally and I desperately need God’s direction and peace to move forward. Lament is helping me bring this seemingly “small” thing (especially perhaps to an outsider). I am learning that to God there are no small things to lament for with Him.
I’ll be praying for resolution in this, Bing.
Does God seem to be your enemy sometimes? For sure, yes! I have had some suffering in this life, but nothing compares to the pain I feel now to be rejected by godly people in the church in which I have served in multiple capacities for many years. I’ve always looked up to some very godly family members and my pastor, but all are looking down on me now. I’ve asked if I can talk to explain my position, but I am not allowed to speak. The hurt is so very real and it seems that God Himself has turned His back on me. If the wounds came from an unbeliever it would hurt but might be more understood. But my own family and the church where I’ve labored, and my pastor? All of it is a huge misunderstanding. And I am so alone as a single woman. And I so much need them as I parent traumatized adopted children alone. Yet, in the sheer horror and darkness of it all, I am beginning to see, after more than 2 years of this suffering, that He intends good for me even in this. I am learning to know His deep love for me personally when all the earthly supports are taken away. My favorite hymn has always been this one, but now even deeper is its meaning:
O Love that will not let me go, I rest my weary soul in Thee, I give Thee back the life I owe, that from its ocean depths its flow may richer, fuller be.
O Light that followest all my way, I yield my flickering torch to Thee. My heart restores its borrowed ray, that in Thy sunshine’s blaze its day may brighter, fairer be.
O Joy that seekest me through pain, I cannot close my heart to Thee, I chase the rainbow through the rain and feel the promise is not vain that morn shall tearless be.
O Cross that liftest up my head, I dare not ask to fly from Thee, I lay in dust life’s glory dead, and from the ground there blossoms red life that shall endless be!
Miriam, so very sorry for the pain and betrayal in your life. I pray that God will continue to shine the light of His truth on every part of this situation, and that He will draw you ever closer to Himself.
Oh, Missy! I did not know. Am so sorry to hear about the church and your pastor looking down on you. I pray that truth will prevail and you will find comfort in Christ alone at this hard time.
Love this hymn so much – be sure and check out the Gaither’s version . Thanks for the reminder if these
truths.
Father, we ask You to bless Miriam today as she goes about her life. Wake the people and pastor of her church up to realize that judging is Your job, not theirs. Remind them that they are there to help each other and to lift one another up. Dampen the politics of the church. Lord, be with Miriam an extra bit as she struggles to raise her adopted children alone. Let her know that You are her father and the father of the ones she has taken as her own. You will always be there in the darkness. Remind her of past times when life was tough, that You came through. I pray in Your Holy Name. Amen.
Miriam — such a good hymn to speak to your soul in the midst of man’s betrayal
Oh Miriam, I wish I could reach through this computer and give you a hug…God, I pray that you would give Miriam wisdom and grace through this situation and may she feel Your arms wrapped around her and know that You understand. Thanks for sharing and that hymn…brought tears to my eyes!
Miriam,
Have you read Anne Graham Lotz’s book entitled Wounded by God’s People ? You can also find her speaking to this topic online. Her words are a balm to the soul. She understands this kind of betrayal. I heard her being interviewed about this on the radio many years ago and her words were timely to my broken heart. May they be to you as well, Miriam.
As I read the lyrics to the hymn you posted, I couldn’t help but sing it. Thank you.
Thank you, Nila. I just ordered the book by Anne! I also found the interview and will listen soon. You’re such a blessing!
Miriam I’m sorry for all the suffering you are going through, I will be praying for you for sure. What came to my mind when you said they won’t let you speak to explain, is that maybe the Lord is hardening their hearts like he did Pharaoh. That the Lord is covering you and doesn’t want you hurt any more then what has happened already and knows that what you have to say won’t be heard right now so it blocking that from happening. I still can’t imagine the hurt from those you trusted. I am so sorry.
Miriam, I am so sorry to hear of your pain and sense of betrayal. It is so hard when Christians turn away from you. I pray that God will bring alongside you at least one Godly friend to support you as you raise your adopted children. That beautiful hymn is so appropriate as a prayer. Praying with you as you walk this difficult road, learning in new depth that He is all you need.
Miriam I echo what everyone says here. Your comments on this blog are so insightful. I’ll be praying for you in this storm.
I hate that Christians have a reputation of shooting their wounded. Wow! I cannot imagine how lonely you must feel especially in the place where you used to find refuge and encouragement. I am so sorry. I love the verse in Isaiah 42:3 “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice.”
What a precious group of ladies! Thank you for your care and comfort for each other in dark places.
1. What stood out from the introduction? How deeply all of us are into this study of lament, and into lamenting itself. And then how deeply we are bonding with one another.
2. What does it mean to pour out your heart like water? Are you gaining in this through the practice of lament?
The first image to come to my mind was when you ‘cry your eyes out’. It is all out there, and nothing is left inside. The better part of pouring out your heart like water in prayer is that your feelings aren’t just a puddle on the floor. Everything you shared has ascended to the heart of God. I ran across Hosea 7:14a today. It reads: they do not cry out to Me from their hearts but wail upon their beds… God so obviously wants us to empty our hearts to Him, not holding anything back. When we only complain, either to ourselves or to other people, it is like ‘wailing upon their beds’. But when we lament, we make the right turn.
Mary, loved this…“When we only complain, either to ourselves or to other people, it is like ‘wailing upon their beds’. But when we lament, we make the right turn.”
3. The great reversals of God toward His people.
A. Isaiah talks of the beauty and glory God gave Zion, while Lamentations talks of His removing those same things in His anger.
B. God no longer has pity on them, and brings dishonor to Zion.
C. God has become Zion’s enemy. Dawn’s perspective on this was so good, that He doesn’t really become an enemy but rather like one. I found the second half of verse 4 interesting. In the NIV it says, “He has poured out His wrath like fire…”. Here we are talking about pouring out our hearts in prayer, and because of sin He was forced to pour out wrath. Seems like a much better choice to be seeking Him in prayer!
D. God shows His anger by laying waste, destroying the place of meeting, spurning those in leadership, abandoning His sanctuary, tearing down palaces, and even removing the protective walls of the city.
4. Has God ever felt like an enemy to you? Looking back, is it different now? Why or why not?
For sure, when I was miscarrying, it felt like God had His back turned toward me. I don’t feel like that now, but I don’t know what it would be if I hadn’t eventually had children. Would I have come to my current state of peace over it or not? I don’t know.
5. The Jonathan Edwards illustration is such a good visual! Thank you for sharing it, Dee. I shared it with the gal I mentor, and am praying that it helps her keep perspective.
Thanks, Mary. It does help me too.
6. The Lament is not only to help us pray our tears but to learn. Read, in Dark Clouds Deep Mercy, the section in Chapter 5 (in the book, page 5) under The Wisdom of Lamentations: Sin is the Real Problem and share your insights or comments.
“Sorrow and pain owe their beginning to the rebellion against God’s reign.”
All pain and suffering owe their existence to sin.
I love the pastors answer to his daughter about why her sister had to die. He said that he didn’t know, but he does know that God does everything for good and one day they would know. He also said that right now they just have to trust Him. He told her that we live in a fallen world and her death and their sadness remind us that we need Jesus to come. I need to remember these words.
7. Read the next section: My Sin and Suffering are Not The Only Problems and share your insights or comments.
We tend to individualize our suffering.
We aren’t as thoughtful about others’ suffering.
My pain is not the only pain, their is collective sin too.
Brokenness of the world applies.
One of the pastors goals is for us to recognize the suffering of the world, or even of our own communities and lament for these. I find this interesting, in that he wrote this book before all the pain and suffering of our current situation in America with the insane rioting, removing our history (by taking statues down and changing names of common places), and the idea (?) of defunding police departments. I have prayed for the hatred to end (on BOTH sides), for leaders to step up and not allow our country to be torn apart, and for my children to be safe in their respective homes. I will continue to pray for the adults to enter the room, because right now it’s as if toddlers are running the show here. Trust me I know this! I will also pray that our Constitution remains intact (I can hardly believe I am saying that, but there it is). The world needs America, in all her glory and ugliness too.
6. The Lament is not only to help us pray our tears but to learn. Read, in Dark Clouds Deep Mercy, the section in Chapter 5 (in the book, page 5) under The Wisdom of Lamentations: Sin is the Real Problem and share your insights or comments.
I went to the grave of our little girl last week. It is right beside the graves of my mom and dad. I needed to be still. To be quiet. To be reminded. To put my questions back into His hands. I walked over to the tombstone of my old pastor and let the inscription wash over my heart ~ Christ has abolished death. II Timothy 1:10
In this section of the book, Mark Vroegop says, “his plans are mysterious…. her death and our sadness remind us that we need Jesus to come and make everything right.” This reminded me of Romans 11:33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God. How unsearchable are His judgements and His ways past finding out.
On the two hour trip home from the cemetery, I stumbled on to a message on the Gospel Coalition podcast entitled “Remember Death” by Matthew McCollough. It was heartening. I pulled my car off the road and jotted down this statement that the speaker made: “Death awareness has an incredible power to detach our hearts from false hopes that won’t stand the test of time.”
Thank you for sharing your poignant stories, Nila. What a beautiful testimony of the grace of God through the hard times. The word TURN means a lot to me these days.
Nila, your story of your trip to the graves of your daughter and your parents is so touching.
Christ has abolished death … II Timothy 1:10 thanks for sharing
So very thankful for the gospel
What stands out to me? Yes, our need to pour out our hearts to the Lord, and the rest of the verse- to lift up your hands to him for the lives of your children. We have been doing this and we need to continue to learn this for we are in a time of tribulation. How I need to trust because my own understanding is so miniscule of this trial. I pray for wisdom , for endurance and for greater trust.
3. A. Now the Lord has covered her with the cloud of his anger.
B. Now he has brought the princes down to the ground in dishonor.
C. The Lord is like and enemy, he has swallowed up Israel.
D. He has destroyed his place of meeting, He has made her forget her feasts and Sabbaths, he has handed over to the enemy the walls of her palaces, her gates have sunk into the ground.
D.
4. Has God ever seemed like an enemy to me? I do not ever remember a time that God seemed like an enemy to me. I do think that I was running away from God many times. Then I was definitely chastised and had to go through trials that I deserved. I would say that I understood him as a Father who was disciplining me. Hebrews 12:5,6
5. I like Jonathan Edward’s description of God looking through 2 lenses: that he sees us as cherished children and that he has a divine plan and that his eternal plan is for his bride, who is pure and refined.
Yes, the refiner’s fire is to purify us, and this means we will go through trials, tribulation and suffering.I am reminded of Steve Green’s song, The Refiner’s Fire.
Shirley,
Your mention of Steve Green’s song, The Refiner’s Fire, reminded me of a beautiful two part series by Our Daily Bread . It is entitled The Potter: Reflections of a Master Artisan. Each segment is about 25 min long. Toward the end of the second segment, Dave Blakeslee talks about the kiln and the firing process of his pottery. His analogies of us being the clay in the hands of a loving potter are so very helpful. Dave and his wife have suffered in the fire and he shares out of a heart of compassion.
I have met both Dave and his wife. I am drinking my coffee this morning out of a mug made by his hands.
Here is the link to this wise and loving man’s analogies:
https://ourdailybreadfilms.org/film/the-potter-reflections-of-a-master-artisan/
Nila, am so glad you share this link again! I believe I found Mr. Blakelee through you. What a beautifully reflective piece! I need to watch the second part.
thank you for this link, Nila
Nila, these 2 videos are excellent, so glad you shared because the truths of the refining of our lives was so clearly told.
Tuesday
6. The Lament is not only to help us pray our tears but to learn. Read, in Dark Clouds Deep Mercy, the section in Chapter 5 (in the book, page 5) under The Wisdom of Lamentations: Sin is the Real Problem and share your insights or comments.
”While not every suffering may be connected directly to specific sin in your life, it would be a mistake to diminish the connection between the fallen state of the world and pain.” He later says in this section in response to his daughter as to why Sylvia died, “her death and our sadness remind us that we need Jesus to come and make everything right.” This is my hope, this is why I can trust in Him when I’m in pain…how dark and depressing for those who don’t know Him as their Savior.
People Need the Lord by Steve Green
Everyday they pass me by
I can see it in their eyes,
empty people filled with care
headed who knows where
On they go through private pain
living fear to fear
laughter hides their silent cries
Only Jesus hears
We are called to take His light
to a world where wrong seems right
what could be too great a cost
for sharing life with one who’s lost?
Through His love our hearts can feel
all the grief they bear
they must her the words of life
only we can share.
People need the Lord, people need the Lord
at the end of broken dreams, He’s the open door
People need the Lord, people need the Lord
when will we realize that we must give our lives?
For people need the Lord, people need the Lord.
7. Read the next section: My Sin and Suffering are Not The Only Problems and share your insights or comments.
“We watch the news so we know how to lament.” Our country is in dire need of lament, godlessness runs rampant and as Joel 2:12-13 says, “The Lord says, turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.” Return to the Lord your God, for He is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish.”
*Just a side note, this last hurricane we had was named Isaias which is of Latin origin and the Latin version of the Hebrew name Isaiah, which means “God is my salvation.”
Sharon, I always have loved this song from Steve Green.
Thanks Sharon, I was wondering if the hurricane name was off of Isaiah, interesting that it means God is my salvation. I think it was a mild one correct?
It hit land in southern N.C. as a category 1 so the beaches in that area were hit hard. It stayed west of us and weakened to a tropical storm. We got some wind and rain but thankfully no damage or tornadoes.
Oh wow, I didn’t here that it hit. I hope everyone is ok from that.
Sharon, I so appreciate your thoughts on lament on this blog. That song, People Need the Lord, is so appropriate here. I lay in bed last night lamenting all the pain and sadness in the world right now – Covid-19, the presumed bombing and huge destruction in Beirut, Lebanon, the persecution and religious killings, etc. It makes me want to turn off the news and Facebook, etc. and try to hide in a cave. But we must not turn our face away; however, we must turn to God in lament, pleading for mercy and for His “kingdom to come and [His] will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
Diane, I hope I can remember your wise words, “we must not turn our face away, however, we must turn to a God in lament…”
Oh yes, Sharon- a wonderful song to remind us…people need the Lord
3. There is a great reversal of God’s behavior toward His children — see if you can find it in each of the following passages:
A. Once God covered Zion with blessing, allowed the building of a beautiful Temple as “His footstool.” (See Isaiah 60:13) Now what, according to Lament. 2:1?
He has covered them with his anger
B. Once God honored her princes, allowed her to be His mouthpiece (her horns), and protected her with His right hand. Now what, according to Lamentations 2:2-3?
He has torn down their strongholds and brought her kingdom and princes in dishonor; he has cut off every horn of Israel and no longer did He give them power over their enemies.
C. One God was the friend of Israel, now what, according to Lamentations 2:4-5?
He is now their enemy
D. What are some of the ways He has shown His anger, according to Lam. 2:6-9?
Laid waste, destroyed, spurned its leaders, abandoned, given them to the enemy, torn down the wall around Zion, gates, and bars broken and destroyed, exiled, no more visions for the prophets, the law is no more.
1. Has God ever felt like “an enemy” to you? Looking back, is your perspective any different? Why or why not?
Yes, when I was in nursing school, my father had a mental breakdown and couldn’t provide for us anymore. My Mom took on the responsibilities of seeing me and my brother and sister through school. We never went hungry but everything was a struggle. I was pretty much on my own after high school and was away from my family until I finally got a stable nursing job. I was responsible to take care of our family financially and being far from them was painful. When Dad died 2 months before Richard and I got married, I regretted the years lost in getting to know my parents and my siblings. I felt like all those years, God was my enemy. Looking back, I often see myself in so many of my students now and God has given me a little more empathy for their situation than I would not have if I did not have those experiences-poverty, difficult family dynamics, joblessness, being responsible for my younger siblings at a young age. And even when I strayed during those years, I have seen His hand continuing to pull me back to where I belong, that is, to His family.
2. Does Jonathan Edwards’s thought on God looking through two lenses help you? Why or why not?
Yes, it sure does. I love the fact that as He cherishes me He is also working to refine me till I am presented as a pure bride to Him. I am so in need of the purifying fire of God. And that is a neat thing to reflect on-I do not have to “work” on it! He does it and He will do it best so then, perhaps, I should welcome those hard times that He allows because it will be so worth it when I see Him face to face one of these days!
Tuesday: The Wisdom of Lamentations
6. The Lament is not only to help us pray our tears but to learn. Read, in Dark Clouds Deep Mercy, the section in Chapter 5 (in the book, page 5) under The Wisdom of Lamentations: Sin is the Real Problem and share your insights or comments. – I’m a little confused on this section. I don’t completely understand that “sorrow and pain owe their beginning to rebellion against God’s reign.” I know he goes on to say to be cautious with this statement but then says “While not every suffering may be connected directly to specific sin in your life, it would be a mistake to diminish the connection between the fallen state of the world and pain.” How can the pain of my sister’s sudden death, be the fault of the world? I need clarification on this please.
7. Read the next section: My Sin and Suffering are Not The Only Problems and share your insights or comments. – I like the reminder that lament oriented prayers can be for ourselves and for anyone we feel is hurting. We can step in for them and be their voice. If I have been through something, I can lament and then be able to help when someone else may be suffering the same thing. I can reassure them that their relationship with Jesus will help them get through and that he is waiting for them to release their pain to him and trust him.
Julie, if it wasn’t for the sin of Adam there would be no death. Romans 5:12 says “ “When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.”
Romans 5:15 gives us hope.. “But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ.”
Whenever my husband and I work in the yard we always joke that if Adam hadn’t sinned there’d be no weeds!
I hope this helps!
Thanks, I guess I know who to blame for my weeds now. I never thought of blaming Adam. I will have to dig some more on this, I know Adam caused the sin in the world because of his sin, I just don’t see that connection with my sister’s death. Such a hard topic sometimes. Thanks though for explaining. It is helping.
Julie, I certainly understand. I want to apologize for being insensitive to the loss of your sister and I’m so sorry! I hope someone else could jump in and explain this better than I.
What stands out to you from the above and why? First off Dee, I am sorry about the difficulty in navigating the ‘highlight section’ I am glad the lady was able to reach out to you and share her heart. I also appreciate your honesty and response. What stands out to me is Lynne’s story. Like her I experienced neglect and abuse at my parent’s hands. I too have come to a place where I can see how the ways they were parented and how my mom was medicating a mental illness. It doesn’t’ change our need to lament what happened maybe in some ways it can help us lament what happened to them as kids and give mercy by realizing their pain, that they passed on to us.
What do you think it means to pour out your heart like water — are you gaining in your ability to do this through the lament? There has been a conflict that I have been navigating. There was a meeting about it last night. It was frustrating, uncomfortable, and discouraging. I was running from God today I didn’t want to pour out my heart like water I was anger and sad. I was like ‘hey I should write a lament about this’ so I got about midway through writing it and I realized that the thoughts I was having might be better written out as a letter to the people in the conflict. I switched gears and started writing one. As I did, I came to understand that there was hidden grief in what I was feeling. The conflict is negatively affecting my husband and I am sad that he is now asking questions that reflect confusion and anger over faith issues because of the conflict. I am super sad about that. I know that God can use these issues to deepen my husbands faith but I fear the opposite, it will push him away. I think I am gaining in my ability to lament. Sometimes we have to figure out what we are actually lamenting. Oh Lord have mercy on all of us.
Thanks Tammy Jo. I can see how the lament could help you give abusive parents mercy. So sorry for your childhood pain that I am sure leaves scars.
Tammy Jo, I’m praying for you and your husband as you navigate a conflict. May your faith be deepened by using lament to turn to God.
I am praying for you and your husband.
Laura — if you would prefer not to wait for me to approve your comments, you could leave out the links. Up to you!
3. There is a great reversal of God’s behavior toward His children — see if you can find it in each of the following passages:
A. Once God covered Zion with blessing, allowed the building of a beautiful Temple as “His footstool.” (See Isaiah 60:13) Now what, according to Lament. 2:1? Now Israel is covered in God’s anger.
B. Once God honored her princes, allowed her to be His mouthpiece (her horns), and protected her with His right hand. Now what, according to Lamentations 2:2-3? Now the Lord has swallowed up the dwellings of Jacob; torn down her stronholds, brought them down to the ground in dishonor, cut off every horn, wirthdrawn his right hand, burned like flaming fire consumes everything.
C. One God was the friend of Israel, now what, according to Lamentations 2:4-5? He is an enemy, slain those who pleased him, poured out his wrath, Like an enemy, swallowed up Israel, destroyed her stronholds multiplied mourning and lamentation.
D. What are some of the ways He has shown His anger, according to Lam. 2:6-9? He has shown anger by destroying his place of meeting, laying waste to his dwelling, made Zion forget her appointed festivals and sabbaths, spurned king and priest, rejected his alter and abandoned his sanctuary, given the walls to her enemies, determined to tear down the wall, did not withhold his hand from destroying, sunk the gates into the ground, bars he has broken exiled king and princes, and prophet no longer find visions from the Lord.
4. Has God ever felt like “an enemy” to you? Looking back, is your perspective any different? Why or why not? Honestly no, I have wrestled with life’s circumstances that seem incongruent with the nature of God, wondered how He can allow me to be wounded or allowed me to be stupid in my sin, like how did I do that and not realize it was sinning or maybe I knew but lied to myself. I identify with him being like the loving parent who gives me ipecac syrup when I made myself sick (throw back to Idol lies). A memory came up on my fb. It was this video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynhD-vq2DUE
I watched it with tears. I think what ever the reason I have been wounded whether by another, my enemy, myself or directly by God, God is like this father in the video who helps me cross the finish line, even if he is the one who carries me across it.
5. Does Jonathan Edwards’s thought on God looking through two lenses help you? Why or why not? Yes. God has the micro and macro view of my life. Recognizing, seeing, and being with me in my pain in this moment but also the God who sees how this pain is weaved into the bigger picture for His kingdom and the others salvation.
Thank you for sharing this video. So powerful to think of God helping us cross the finish line as Paul refers to our race of faith. We all desperately need this help. ❤️
Tammy Jo — love you remembered the ipecac illustration!
I remember that moment in history. What an amazing one it was!
6. Sin : the Real Problem
The background that Mark gave from the book of Romans is God’s word about our sin and the consequence. Romans 3:23, 6:23, 8:22 This does help us to understand the reality of sin. How clearly this shows that without sin there would be no lament. We know that sin is very serious. I liked his example of his words to his daughter for her question of why did Sylvia have to die.
7. My sin and my suffering are not the only problem
What stands out to me is that I need to be reminded that my pain is not the only pain. Yes, there are systemic problems that have resulted from the brokenness in the world. I do need to watch the news for the purpose of knowing how to pray. Creation is groaning and needs the grace of lament. May our hearts be awakened.
Tuesday: The Wisdom of Lamentations
1. The Lament is not only to help us pray our tears but to learn. Read, in Dark Clouds Deep Mercy, the section in Chapter 5 (in the book, page 5) under The Wisdom of Lamentations: Sin is the Real Problem and share your insights or comments.
Lamentations remind us that underlying our lives is a foundational brokenness connected to the presence of sin in the world. Without sin, there would be no lament. We need Jesus to make things right.
These statements make me long more for Jesus to come. Last Sunday, we sang “The Days of Elijah” as my husband and I went on FB live for our congregation who opted to stay home. We had a few people who joined us in person with masks and all.
I got choked up whenever we got to the chorus:
Behold He comes,
Riding on the clouds,
Shining like the sun
At the trumpet call,
Lift your voice
It’s the year of Jubilee,
And out of Zion’s hills
salvation comes!
No more need for lament because our voices will be raised in praise!
2. Read the next section: My Sin and Suffering are Not The Only Problems and share your insights or comments.
My pain is not the only pain. That we can pray not only for our pain but for the pain of others-our neighborhood, city, nation, and the world.
Like the example given by Mark V., I am beginning to see my sin and our broken world in a different light. I seem to cry more these days.
The “The Days of Elijah” and like to put in on repeat.
Love the Marines version!
https://youtu.be/0MtdyRDy4fU
that gave me chills watching the excitement in them. But I also noticed some not moving at all. What a blessing those that were moving and praising will be for the others that may not know Him.
Dearest Jesus, I come to You now to pray. In the quiet of the morning I am saddened to hear of the horrible grief around the world, of Your people. These are good, loving, peaceful ones who just want to share Your Word and take care of others. Please help us understand why these horrific events happen when You could make it change. Why are some people SO awful to Christians? Exactly why do you allow this to happen when You could change things in a second? Then again, Your followers back in Jesus’ time were persecuted as well, weren’t they? You didn’t stop it then either. Some would say that You aren’t really real when You don’t reveal Yourself in these situations. It was that way back in Jesus’ time too. It is about our faith. Faith that You are in control, and that there will be punishment in Your time, for these who are persecuting Your people. I pray that You cover the families of these men. Help them be comforted somehow? in this awful situation they are in. I cry with them Lord. Help us, as a country, to know who is rightfully a candidate for asylum and be willing to allow them a safe place to live. We must be discerning as a sovereign nation because we also have the great responsibility of taking care of our citizens. It is a fine balance Lord. Help us know how to accomplish this in love. I remember Your blessing on Your people of the past. I know You will bless us too. It may not look the way we think it should look, but let us know it is from You. I have faith that You are in control Lord. Thank You for that. Amen.
Good lament. Why are some people so awful to Christians? We are Satan’s main threat. He doesn’t worry about other religions!
Wednesday: We Watch the News So We Know How to Lament (Mark Dever)
8. Please sit in the lamenting chair and pour out your heart like water for our persecuted brothers and sisters, for their loved ones, and for our leaders. – Lord, help us. What do we do? How do we help all these persecuted Christians? They are your children like I am, but where can they go to be safe? I don’t know what to pray Lord for them other than to have you protect them. Can the United States keep taking in more people, when our country is already struggling to care for those already here? I know you will guide me in prayer Lord. I know you will help my heart know what is right. I know they are hurting and need a safe place to go. You are over all of the world Lord, and your protection and promises are for everyone. Help those in need Lord and help us to know what to do. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.
9. Read Lamentations 2:10-22
A. What particularly moves you in this passage and why?
V. 19 To cry out at the beginning of the night watches in the presence of the Lord.
To cry out to God first..to let Him come into my suffering for others, or the world, or for myself but right away. He is with me-in me-I don’t have to look for Him or wonder if he hears me and will act for he WILL but in his time and in his way. He is right here going before me, and so communion with Him includes lamenting right away.
9 B. Pray Lamentations 2:19 either personally or for suffering in the world.
Lamentations 2:19 “Arise, cry out in the night, at the beginning of the night watches! Pour out your heart like water before the presence of the Lord! Lift your hands to him for the lives of your children, who faint for hunger at the head of every street.”
Father, you see all and know all. You know the evil that stalks in the day and in the night. You see the destruction brought by uncontrolled human corruption and depravity. You know the many human lives destroyed and damaged by violence and by abuse and by neglect. Chaos seems to be winning, Lord. Cruelty seems the order of the day.
Today we raise our voice in plea for Lebanon, where a super-powerful explosion has ripped apart the port and a major part of the city of Beirut. Many are in mourning and many injured and many whose livelihood is destroyed and many homes destroyed. Oh, Lord, have mercy. Oh, Lord, send relief. Send Christian workers and funds to help those in need there. O Lord, strengthen your people for the massive needs there. May your Word also go out to those in need as well that Your rescue, your love, your healing might be seen as coming from You and not from humans. May people turn from their preoccupation with the affairs of this world and turn to You in their time of distress.
Amen for Lebanon. Suffering upon suffering.
Praying for Lebanon. So sad.
I just have to add to my lament about Lebanon. I just read this article on Lebanon from Gospel Coalition. He begins with a lament from Psalm 13 and expresses his concerns for the city and country he has chosen to do Christian ministry.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/despair-light-rubble-beirut/
Thanks so much, Diane.
Thank you Diane for sharing.
9. Read Lamentations 2:10-22
A. What particularly moves you in this passage and why?
“I have cried until the tears no longer come; my heart is broken. My spirit is poured out in agony as I see the desperate plight of my people. Little children and tiny babies are fainting and dying in the streets.”
Lamentations 2:11 NLT
https://www.bible.com/116/lam.2.11.nlt
I know this crying until there are no tears
““O Lord, think about this! Should you treat your own people this way? Should mothers eat their own children, those they once bounced on their knees? Should priests and prophets be killed within the Lord’s Temple?”
Lamentations 2:20 NLT
https://www.bible.com/116/lam.2.20.nlt
I don’t think I really understand, as Jeremiah says here, why God is acting this way towards His people. Is it really to wake them up from their destructive ways? If so, why do we say that “God is love,” and are told that even though we sin, God still cares about us? Does the Old Testament not really count anymore after Jesus came? Just thinking abut my own kids (and now grandkids) and the destruction they have brought to our family…do they get a pass because we are living in New Testament times? Or, should they have been punished as the OT says? If not, they why do we say that you should take all of the Bible and learn from it? I’m confused with respect to what I should believe. I realize this is just a story that Jeremiah is telling (of an event that really happened), but the underlying implication is that when the Father is annoyed with the child’s behavior, He stops that behavior, even with force. Anyone want to help me understand?
B. Pray Lamentations 2:19 either personally or for suffering in the world.
Oh Lord, I cry out to You today to save us soon! Your Word says we should do this when we are distraught, and believe me, the time has come. With the pain and agony all over America, the burning of Bibles, and the brutal killings of our brothers in Nigeria and other places, life can seem pretty hopeless. Help us know You are here and standing for Christians….those of us who love You, Your Word, and just want to live in peace and show others how to rest in You. You left us here to do Your work. Soften the hearts of our enemies! Take them “out” no matter how. The “sickness” (as the tods call it) has been good for some; it has brought them to You. Yay! for that! However, ultimately it has ravaged the lands in many ways, death, mental illness, economies, and anger abounds between normally rational people. Help our lands heal soon Lord! I will continue to pray although You are seemingly silent for me often. I lift up our country, world, and leaders to You Lord! Please come and stop the madness. Don’t allow the enemy to have his way. He is enjoying all the chaos for sure. You have taken away the pain for Your people before. They built memorials for us to remember this. Saint Peter actually has a statue in Rome! Of all the places…..after all they did! Your light is with us all over Earth for people to see. Let them see it now sweet Jesus. In Your Holy Name I pray. Amen.
but the underlying implication is that when the Father is annoyed with the child’s behavior, He stops that behavior, even with force. Anyone want to help me understand?
Hi Laura!! I can sympathize with your challenge at understanding the way scripture seems to contradict. I love psalm 103 and the story of Joseph to help me through those thoughts. I also just yesterday heard a testimony from a neighbor who emphasized that God stands outside of time. What is happening now to us, may have more to do with God’s bigger plan and we can’t possibly see or understand. He is here with us and has compassion on our situation, yet has the perspective of eternity on the situation. ❤️ I love working through these challenges in thinking with all of you.
Laura — I think Jonathan Edwards analogy of near and far focus lens is helpful. God is creating a pure Bride and sees how one generation affects the next. I do think every child of God is disciplined, pruned, and refined for their sin — either through natural consequences or other means He chooses. It does seem, as Ecclesiastes says, that He often isn’t prompt to discipline, but it is a mystery we need to accept, knowing His character.
Thursday, Aug 6, 2020. Lamentations 2:20a “See, O Lord, and consider!”
Remembering the kindness shown us from around the world when the Murrah Federal building in OKC was bombed while I was living there April 19, 1995. Lamenting for Lebanon and moved with compassion. I am grateful for the means to show caring through Christian organizations who will deliver the personal messages we send along with the gospel to those who are grieving. I’m reminded of Paul’s words in 2 Cor 6:10 regarding his ministry as a servant of the Lord. “as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing;” I mourn with them while rejoicing in the God of all comfort Who uses His servants to show His lovingkindness.
Wednesday
8. Please sit in the lamenting chair and pour out your heart like water for our persecuted brothers and sisters, for their loved ones, and for our leaders.
Lord, it just breaks my heart to hear of all our brothers and sisters in Christ being persecuted, just as Dee shared above. I sometimes wonder how You expect the gospel to be spread by allowing this to go on? Why does the enemy seem to have the upper hand and the victory? Where is Your help in these times of trouble? How long Lord, how long must Your children suffer for speaking Your truth? Consider Your people today who are living in persecution. I ask that You would give them the strength to continue to boldly proclaim Your name, knowing their lives may be taken. Remind them Lord of those who have gone before them…Daniel, James, Peter, Paul, John and the list goes on and may they find comfort in their boldness and Your faithfulness. I do lift up the family and friends that have been left behind when when they are killed. For those that know You, give them comfort and peace and those that don’t, may their hearts be softened and eyes opened to receive You. I pray for us here in this country, may we too stand boldly for You. I lift up Jonathan Isaac who stood during the national anthem before the basketball game…the only one and when asked why said, “I feel like for me black lives are supported through the gospel…the Bible tells us we all fall short of God’s glory…we need to repent and seek God.” He hurt his knee during the game and is probably out for the season…give him strength as I ask for all of us during this Lord to continue to stand and “Dare to be a Daniel.” We ask these things in Your name, Amen.
Excellent lament Sharon! I pray with you and also admire the basketball player who was “right ready” when questioned about why. He reminds me that I need to be ready with answers about God when questioned about life.
Dare to be a Daniel
Standing by a purpose true, Heeding God’s command, Honor them, the faithful few! All hail to Daniel’s band!
Refrain:Dare to be a Daniel, Dare to stand alone! Dare to have a purpose firm! Dare to make it known.
Many mighty men are lost, Daring not to stand, Who for God had been a host By joining Daniel’s band.
Many giants, great and tall, Stalking through the land, Headlong to the earth would fall, If met by Daniel’s band.
Hold the Gospel banner high! On to vict’ry grand! Satan and his hosts defy, And shout for Daniel’s band.
This was a song I sang as a child…how many others here know it and sang it in Sunday School?
Never heard it before, I really like the message it tells.
Great song! Haven’t heard that in years. Thank you for the reminder 😊
This is a great song I sang,too. I would hope to be bold when asked about my faith. We do need to be ready and to give an answer. Thanks, Sharon
I sang that as a child, Sharon!
1. 7. Please sit in the lamenting chair and pour out your heart like water for our persecuted brothers and sisters, for their loved ones, and for our leaders.
Oh, God! Why? These courageous men and their families. O how they must grieve in the worst kind of pain. I couldn’t look at this picture for so long and am thankful that I couldn’t see the eyes of these Christian men or I will be so much more undone! Why does evil prevail and in such despicable ways? Yet, o death where is thy sting? Jesus, our victor, you already have overcome the world. You said in Your Word, “in this world, you will have trouble.” Oh, so true. BUT someday, You will make things right. All this “light” momentary afflictions, though grievous and no words can depict, “ is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2 Cor 4:17-18
These men who bent their knees bent them for You. May your words of “well done, good and faithful servant be theirs when You come again and right every wrong! May your presence be with their loved ones left behind in ways that You only can be.
Thursday: Let Your Tears Flow Like A River
9. Read Lamentations 2:10-22
A. What particularly moves you in this passage and why? – I like verses 18 and 19, they seem to be turning to the Lord for help. Repenting of their wayward sins and asking for his help to recover. To me there is hope that they have finally realized what their sins are and want to be forgiven.
B. Pray Lamentations 2:19 either personally or for suffering in the world. – Oh Lord, I come to you with a heart that is heavy. I ask you Lord to help each and every child that is hurting, young or old, help them Lord. I want my heart to be right so my requests will be heard and answered by you. Help me to know what I should do, what I should say. I know Lord you are in control of all of this, the world, our country, my state, my city, my household, and even me. Guide all of Lord back to you so this world can be a place of peacefulness again. You are powerful Lord and I trust you with everything I have. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.
Lament for our persecuted brothers and sisters.
Dear God, I cry to you for the lives of dear brothers and sisters who are refugees, many with children, who wait for a way to find a home when the doors have been closed. These dear ones love you, Father, and they are waiting, waiting for a place to call home where they will be free to live and worship and grow. Father, will you cast them off forever, to suffer and lack hope? You are the God who sees and knows the horrible situations these people are facing.Father, we live in comfort and ease when these brothers and sisters are lacking the essentials.
Father, you have given the gift of salvation to these dear ones. You have promised abundant life. Your word is true. You are a merciful Father. Show us ways that we can speak up for the needy in many persecuted countries.May we speak for them, for justice and mercy. As your word says, You are the God who do wonders. I pray for a way through the closed doors. I pray for their health and well-being. Please intervene and may your name be glorified.
Father, I also pray for the families in Nigeria. These men who committed to serve you, and to declare their commitment in the face of their enemies, were piteously murdered as an example to others. We are offended at this terrible atrocity, Father. Why do you allow these hurtful actions to those who love you?
I appeal to you, Father, to protect your followers. Yet, I know that you will reward all who die as martyrs. You have a special future for those followers who place their lives on the line as these men have done. May your word continue to draw those to you who will be unafraid to stand up and testify for you. I thank you and praise you. I pray in the name of Jesus, who gave his own life for us.
9. What particularly moved me was the thought they people would be so desperate that they will easy their own children or that God would allow them to get to that point.
Lord forgive us for our complacency and comfort in your blessings rather than in you for we/I don’t think to lament about our brothers and sisters who are being martyred, who desire you more than their comfort. Forgive us for how we/I deny you in this way. I think of Lamentations and how your anger poured out on the apple of your eye for they chased other lovers like us and they broke your heart. Yet you remained faithful. What love is this that we should think to forsake you? Yet we do, I do and we have, I have. Forgive us for our sins against you and hear our prayers of mercy for our brothers and sisters world wide. Who are facing the ultimate for they aren’t denying you rather they are giving up their lives and I am sure they think it is nothing compared to what you have done for them! Lord make our hearts as tender, as humble and faithful to you as theirs. Only you can do that work in us. Lord comfort their families and strengthen their/our brothers and sisters who mourn, or who are in these types of countries and are afraid. Encourage them and lift their faces to you in their deep pain and in their darkest moments. We cry out for your protection and rescue of our brothers and sisters in Nigeria who are facing death for their love for you. In your name only, amen.
A mystery, Chris, certainly!
Amen, Rebecca ~
11. Lament here the pain your “false lovers” have brought you, and, if it is appropriate,
turn to God in repentance.
I love Rebecca and Nila’s conversation from the first day. Relational idolatry is a battle at the forefront. Recently, a sin of my 12 year old daughter had to be addressed and wow how much I found it hurt me to go with her to those offended with an apology. The shame of her actions cast a shadow. The hurt for all involved was hard. The hardest part of it all was the result her actions had on relationships. Interesting that our actions often have such an impact as we would never imagine before they are committed. And for my daughter and myself I must say love of self is at the root of our sin. After my daughter’s offense, I stepped into a place of disrespect with my husband which at the root had more to do with my love for myself than anything!! I am so thankful we could work through it in very short order. As soon as I realized what I had done I reached out by text to my close prayer warriors for help in the midst of my struggle. I’m am grateful that the Lord brought me to a humble place where I could restore my relationship with my husband that evening. Sadly, over the years I have found myself in this place more than I would like. Lord, help me to stop falling into the trap of loving myself above others!! Help me to stay humble. I try to always remember how Joseph responded when he was tempted by Potiphar’s wife. His first thoughts were how much his transgression would offend his God. If only I could put God in such a place of honor in my life. Lord, help me.
Psalm 51: 10-12
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from Your presence;
take not Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
and sustain me with a willing spirit.
Thank you for this restorative prayer from Psalm 51. Timely.
The Lord’s timing! I no sooner typed my response and my husband shared this verse in our family group text. Perfect ec VD
Thursday
9. Read Lamentations 2:10-22
A. What particularly moves you in this passage and why?
As their enemies mock them, scoff and snarl and like the fact that they’ve destroyed them at last, have even longed for this day and it’s finally come…verse 17 says “But it is the Lord who did just as He planned. He has fulfilled the promises of disaster He made long ago. He has destroyed Jerusalem without mercy. He has caused her enemies to gloat over her and has given them power over her.” God was the one in control and He still is today! As harsh as verse 17 sounds, He is a holy God, a God of judgement and a God of love and He hates sin. Where do I stand before Him today? Is there sin in my life that I need to confess and repent from? Does sin break my heart like it does His? “Have mercy upon me, O God, because of Your unfailing love. Because of Your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin.” Psalm 51:1-2
I do have question. The Jewish people have continued to go through a lot of suffering…do you think this is because of their rebellion and adultery towards God or is because they’re God’s chosen people?
B. Pray Lamentations 2:19 either personally or for suffering in the world.
Lord, my heart cries out to You for the suffering that is taking place all over our world today. So many families have lost loved ones to Covid…comfort them Lord. So many are suffering a loss of a job, a home and are in financial ruin. It seems that I could go on and on…the devastation in Beirut, the hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, persecution of Christians, the Uighur’s in China, starving children and human trafficking! If there is ever a time that we need You, it is now!! We the church need to lament and repent…get on our knees, pour out our hearts like water before Your presence and lift up our hands to You…You are our only hope and salvation. Amen
Sharon – Our Life Group talks about this all the time – “The Jewish people have continued to go through a lot of suffering…do you think this is because of their rebellion and adultery towards God or is because they’re God’s chosen people?” – we pretty much think that it is because they are God’s chosen people. The enemy wants them to pull away, to get tired and turn their backs on Him. Our group prays for them to stand strong.
Yes,Julie, we all need to pray for them as God has a plan to restore Israel, I believe. Prayers for salvation and we know God works on all who love him, as the potter works on the clay.
I think too it is because they are His chosen people. I can’t explain the Holocaust except through Satan.
9. Read Lamentations 2:10-22
A. What particularly moves you in this passage and why?
The mention of the different groups of people like the elders, young women, children, infants, young and old, the full spectrum of generations speak of the encompassing devastation. And the reason is in verse 17-“The Lord has done what He planned; He has overthrown you without pity…He has exalted the horn of your foes.” There are consequences to sin and as painful as they are, God is faithful to bring His people back to Himself.
Now it seems easier for me to maybe make light of the depth of Israel’s suffering since I know the rest of their story. But if I were in their shoes then, I would have had questions about what God is doing in our midst.
B. Pray Lamentations 2:19 either personally or for suffering in the world.
Lord, so many youths are suffering. I just heard of another former high school student take her life. I only know of her and the circumstances around her very disconcerting experience a few years ago. The past has haunted her and she couldn’t stand it anymore. Why, O, Lord? Where is help for her? What is one thing I can do to be a part of the solution? So many I know are battling mental health issues I have lost count. How do you want me to pray and to act, Lord? I am going to back to school soon and I know of at least one student who needs you in her life. O, Father, have mercy. Your arm is not too short to save. You love the world that you gave up your Son, Jesus. O, Jesus, have mercy. Draw them near to you and may they draw near to you and heed your voice.
Friday: Lament Awakens The Soul
10. Read the last section in this chapter: Lament Awakens the Soul and share your insights and comments.
To express our sorrows during times of devastation (Lord, have mercy on Lebanon) while allowing lament to reaffirm the important realities (the turn) underlying our lives, our culture, and our future. Lament awakens us from apathy and seeing things around us from a different perspective. Like the example of the man who took the challenge to spend time mourning over sin in his life and in the world.
Lord, awaken my heart to my depravity and truly see the world and its brokenness.
11. Lament here the pain your “false lovers” have brought you, and, if it is appropriate, turn to God in repentance.
Lord, I have succumbed to many false lovers in my life like man’s approval, comfort, control. And they have always come up empty. They have never satisfied-they only have left me the pain of disappointment, tears, and a feeling of being wretched. I should learn by now not to give in but I still do. But You, O Lord, are the true lover of my soul. You have always been near, patiently waiting for my return even though I have gone on my merry way like the prodigal son. Eating “husks” for pigs when I have a King as a Father. Forgive me, Lord for running after these false lovers. Help me keep my focus on You alone. Holy Spirit, fill me afresh with You.
10. Read the last section in this chapter: Lament Awakens the Soul and share your insights and comments.
Let’s not be angry, fearful, or despairing. Choose lament to remember that God is in control.
“God has a bigger plan, He can be trusted.”
I am more in tune with these statements of the pastors and less in tune with What is going on in the world because I don’t listen to the scary news stories at all. That is all they are. I have not be necessarily lamenting though. I just ignore the stories (nearly all of it is not true anyway) and continue my day. I usually get the gist of what’s going on using the internet, and then I don’t watch anymore. I suppose when I do that I could try the lament process. That will be my goal from now on.
We should allow the book of Lamentations to help us mourn our broken world, city, and selves. It is there for a reason.
A few days ago, Sharon, said “Where else can I go.” Thank you, Sharon.
Your words reminded me of this song entitled Rescue (I Need You Jesus) :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPj_2L-uRpM
Some of the lyrics:
You are the source of life
I can’t be left behind
No one else will do
I will take hold of You
I need You Jesus to come to my rescue
Where else can I go?
There’s no other Name by which I am saved
Capture me with grace
I will follow You
Nila, thank you for sharing…beautiful song which brought tears to my eyes!!
Just heard this song for the first time, Nila. Very moving. Thanks for sharing.
Friday: Lament Awakens The Soul
10. Read the last section in this chapter: Lament Awakens the Soul and share your insights and comments. – I like how this section reminds us that if we dwell on our hurts, our pain, or the hurts and pain around us, we can get dragged in to the negativity of the suffering we see. When we lament and follow the lead of the Psalms, it takes us from suffering in the pain to knowing that God will in the end, turn it all to joy. But we need to turn to Him in order for our hearts to be cleansed as we wait for that time of joy.
11. Lament here the pain your “false lovers” have brought you, and, if it is appropriate, turn to God in repentance. – Lord I turn to you with my mind, my thoughts. Take them captive Lord. Why am I always going back to the mumbling for little things? Why can’t I see the good that is done, which outweighs the bad and not the little nagging stuff. I need you Lord to help me overcome my thoughts. Help me to see others as you see them. Help me to see the bigger picture of the issue and not just focus on the close up. Lord I know all things are possible with you. I know if I turn to you and trust your ways, my thoughts will be made new. I thank you Lord that I can come to you to resolve my issues and that your promises are true. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen.
9. Lamentations 2:10-22
What moves me in this passage is the misery of the women whose children are hungry and cry out for bread. Every verse speaks of the desolation and agony that have resulted from God’s punishment, but it hurts most to know of little ones suffering and mothers without resources to provide relief.
Father God, Why must the punishment come to women and children and what are they to do? Father, this is a cruel treatment, there is hopelessness, there is utter despair: children are fainting for hunger at every street. Now young men and young women have fallen by the sword. You have taken no pity on them. Father, these are your people who are suffering.
Almighty God, you are a merciful father, you have a plan for your people. Give them help, rescue them in their time of great need. May you be glorified by your response. When Moses appealed to you, you saved your people. Show your power and bring them help. May their enemies not continue to triumph over them. May you be at work, teaching and guiding them to honor you, turning from their selfish ways.
Friday
10. Read the last section in this chapter: Lament Awakens the Soul and share your insights and comments.
“God has a bigger plan. He can be trusted.” I must admit that with all that’s going on in the world I have to sit back and remember this. It’s so easy to get bogged downand wonder what next? He’s got the whole world in His hands and He’s got us in His hands…thank You Lord for being a trustworthy God.
11. Lament here the pain your “false lovers” have brought you, and, if it is appropriate, turn to God in repentance.
Lord, my false lovers are approval and comfort. How long do I have to combat these? Are You listening? Help me Lord to find my approval in You and be willing to be pulled out of my comfort zone. I admit it’s a safe place to be but I know it’s not what Your will is for me. I confess that I have enjoyed having to stay home and not go to church , but I also know that isn’t Your will either. Give me a desire Lord, to want in person fellowship with other believers. May my motive be pure and glorifying to You. Forgive me for my selfishness and give me strength to turn from these false lovers. Amen
6. “Lamentations reminds us that underlying our lives is a foundational brokenness connected to the presence of sin in the world.” When I memorized Psalm 51, I struggled with the fact that sometimes sin and it’s synonyms were represented as singular, but other times as plural. David wrote this, speaking of himself, not of a group of people. I finally came to the conclusion that I have ‘sins’, which speaks to what I can point to and confess, agreeing with God that I said or did or thought this particular thing. And there are a lot of them, hence ‘sins’. But there is also ‘sin’, and that is my basic structure, my nature of being in rebellion toward God. That structure manifests itself in ‘sins’, but it is my ‘sin’ under every one of them. I think that is what Mark means when he talks about the foundational brokenness in the world.
7. My sin and suffering are not the only problems.
When Jeremiah and Daniel lamented in the Bible, they responded to the ‘groan of creation’. They set an example for us, because they themselves weren’t at fault, yet they identified with other people and brought a true lament to God. Daniel, especially, could have kept his head up, served the king, and let the sufferers be. But he recognized that he shared the same sin problem that was under the entire issue, and as such he wanted to lament.
8. We support an organization that helps provide Bibles, prayer and practical help for persecuted believers, mostly in the Middle East. They never ask people to pray that the persecution would end, but always for them to have strength, endurance, boldness, and love for their persecutors. Very, very humbling, to hear their stories and realize that they are my family, and that my time to suffer as they do may be just around the corner.
Father God, You are our Abba. Your word tells us about Your love, compassion, protection, and we enjoy hearing about those. But You also said that the sins of the fathers would pass down three or four generations. You warned Israel even before they entered the Promised Land how You would handle them if they refused to walk in Your ways. We see it in history time after time. We see it in the news today. But, Lord, our hearts echo Abraham’s words from Gen 18:25: “far be it from You to .. destroy the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike… Will not the judge of all the earth do right?” When we see believers in intensive suffering, when we see them murdered before our eyes, it doesn’t look like You are keeping Your promise to do good to those who love You. How do we put together our disparate views of You, kind and forbearing at some times, and the severe righteous judge at others. Even this minute, there are people who have put their whole lives into Your hands, who are now without a husband, or a father, without food and shelter, without safety and provision. How can You allow this? Do You not hear their cries? Their suffering is beyond my ability to verbalize. Lord, won’t You please be to them at this hour their true, loving Father? Won’t You please answer their hearts cry? Won’t You please make up to them the years the locusts have eaten, like Amos says? In Revelation, John says he saw thousands who had been martyred for You, crying out for You to deal with the unrepentant. This is such a complex, incomplete picture of something You see with great clarity. We know that You do all things well, and so we hold up our empty hands, our hurting hearts, and plead for You to do what we, in our feebleness, cannot. Make it right Lord. Bring comfort, strength, endurance. Bring a victory we cannot foresee. Please, Lord of all the earth, do right. Someday soon, we will be at Your throne and we will give You praise and glory for today. Help us hold on to that knowledge, and help us be Your hands and feet while we still can. Amen.
Interesting insight into the singular and plural forms in Psalm 51, Mary.
9. Lamentations 2:10-23.
A. What moves you and why? Jeremiah could have said to the people, “I told you so! Why didn’t you listen to me? This is your own fault, and because you didn’t pay attention, not only are you suffering, but also many innocents.” But he doesn’t do that. He enters into their pain, crying even more than they do. In verse 13, he seeks to comfort them. In 18-19, it is like he is still in prophet mode, urging the people even in that moment, to turn back to God. And then he pleads for them before God in 20-22. He never gave up.
10. Mark says if we’re not careful, when something goes wrong we can “respond with anger, fear, or despair. If we do that, we “reveal a love affair with our culture.” I see so much of this in response to all that has happened recently. It seems like we want more to ‘return to normal’ more than we want to learn, be changed by, or use the circumstances to help others draw closer to God. He also said, we “should express our sorrow while allowing lament to reaffirm the important spiritual realities…” His story of the man who learned to use lament, and found that he was blessed with a new ability to fight temptation was very eye opening and encouraging.
11. Reflection questions.
#6) Do we tend to over personalize suffering? Why? How does lament help us change that?
When you read about child development, you learn that children are born completely selfish and only over a lot of time and maturing do they become considerate, giving, able to think about others. I have a sneaking suspicion that none of us outgrow those negatives. We just learn to hide those thoughts and attitudes from others. So our response to any suffering is completely dependent on how much it touches us. So we really understand the pain of our own suffering, even when the circumstances affect a whole group of people, but have a tendency to skip over anything that doesn’t touch us.
#7) What are some practical steps to allow lament to remind you what lies at the bottom of your nature? For sure, confession. I grew up in a mainline denomination, and part of every Sunday service was liturgy confessing corporate sin. It was usually a mindless ritual for me, but I see the point of it, and our need to not just read the words, but to really confess our sin. I think nearly anything that makes me be active, rather than passive, would help. Journaling my laments, and going back to see what God prompted through them. Maybe I need a type of mantra, reciting parts of verses, to keep His truth clear in my mind. Get an accountability partner. That is pretty difficult, but I would love it.
Really struggling with this question. I feel like I’m missing the point of it. Looking forward to what others will say.
Interested to know what denomination — I loved that in PCA, but wondered if liberal ones do it to as a remnant of the past.
My husband and I both grew up Lutheran, one in an ALC and the other in the LCA. They merged. close to the time we got married. We had already decided to leave it because we didn’t want to raise our children where the gospel wasn’t clearly told. Now they go so far as to say that baptizing an infant guarantees their salvation, never teaching the need to have a relationship with God. They have also taken stances we can’t be part of in regards to abortion and homosexuality. It is sad. Wasn’t it CS Lewis who said we are always only one generation away from complete apostasy?
11. Lament here the pain your “false lovers” have brought you, and, if it is appropriate, turn to God in repentance.
Oh Lord, I am turning to You this morning to ask forgiveness for not turning to You when I am tired, bored, lonely, and weak. Instead, I have found substitutes that will never fill my need. I am sorry. You are the only one I need to sustain me in times of certainty or uncertainty. These “false lovers” only bring pain, in that they are temporary. They only make me feel good in the moment. Why do I struggle so much to remember this when I know the truth? How long will it take me to “get it?” I try over and over again and continue on the same path. When will it stop? Please help me to recognize that better, as time ticks on in my life. I want to be a more faithful follower of Yours so that I may finish well. You must know how I am haunted in my brain day in and day out by the negative thoughts of not being good enough. Make them stop! When this happens, I am weak and run to the lover that can’t provide. Help me now Lord, today, to wipe the slate clean. Help me to remember that I am here as Your ambassador so You are ultimately with me always. Reveal my purpose so I may begin to work for You with that in mind. Don’t forget me Lord! I know You have always been in my life and been guiding me in many on the big things I have done in my life. In the Bible You say that if we love You and others that we will be eligible to be with You in heaven. I know that when You made promises to biblical people, You provided, even though it wasn’t always in the way or timing they thought was appropriate. I think of Joshua and Jericho here. What a unique way to bring that city to its knees! Also, Rahab was saved then and became part of Jesus’ lineage! What a special “gift” to the people and they didn’t even know. Thank You for this memory for us to remember Your faithfulness. I pray in Your Holy Name. Amen.