I remember my surprise to learn that Lamentations 3:22-23, which inspired the lyrics to “Great is Thy Faithfulness” was the end of a lament. I thought it was simply a hymn of praise. How much more meaningful it makes the lyrics to realize that in the midst of EARTH-SHATTERING SORROW, Jeremiah is buoying up his soul by remembering God’s mercies from the past.
How I remember the grief of young friends at the loss of their child,
yet
they signed their letter to family and friends with Lament. 3:22:
Because of His mercies, we are not consumed.
That is our “yet” as well.
We will all walk through deep waters, through the fire, but the difference for believers is that when we walk through the waters, He will be with us, and, this is not the end of the story.
HIGHLIGHTS from LAST WEEK:
I will give just a few highlights each week. I am so impressed with how you are lamenting for one another, holding one another up. You were particularly wonderful with Laura last week.
Sharon gave this great picture of Jonathan’s Edwards point that God looks at us through a narrow and wide focus lens:
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.
Diane gave this link from a missionary in Lebanon — his lament posted on The Gospel Coalition. Let us pray together for them:
Despair and Light from the Rubble of Beirut
Sunday:
- When did you realize that Lamentations 3:22-23 was the end of a lament? What does this tell you?
- Tim Keller says that when our hearts say: “There is no hope!” We should argue back. Was there a time you did this? If so, share what you told your heart.
- Read the opening of Chapter 6 in Dark Clouds up to “No Hope” and share what stands out to you.
Monday: Some of Our Best Songs Follow Laments
Prepare your heart with this:
Great is Thy Faithfulness is based on the hope that follows Jeremiah’s lament.
I Know That My Redeemer Liveth is based on the hope that follows Job’s lament.
4. Can you think of any other well-known hymns or songs that are the end of a lament?
There are so many parallels between Job 19 and Lamentations 3!
“I am nothing but skin and bones. I have escaped by the skin of my teeth.” (Job 19:20)The opening of Lamentations 3 so reminds me of Job and his laments – he said very similar things, yet at the close, we have what Handel put to music: “I know my Redeemer liveth!”
5. Read Job 19:17-27
A. What are some of the pictures Job gives God of his woes?
B. In Job 25-27, what vision is Job given? (This is amazing for Job lived in the time of
Genesis.) Find everything you can about heaven!
6. Read Lamentations 3:1-20
A. Find at least 3 pictures Jeremiah paints to tell the Lord of his sorrow.
B. Do any of these remind you of Job?
C. Do any of these remind you of Jesus?
7. Read Lamentations 3:21-24
A. What does Jeremiah do in verse 21? Why is it important to take our souls in hand
and speak truth to them?
B. Why is the believer not consumed by sorrow?
C. How often are His mercies new? Have you found this to be true? Explain.
D. What does verse 24 mean?
Tuesday: No Hope — Dare To Hope
8. In Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy, chapter 6, read the section “No Hope” and share what
stands out to you.
9. Now read “You Have Taken Up My Cause” and share the main point.
10. Bring to mind one time when God “took up your cause.”
11. Read “Dare to Hope”
A. Why is verse 21 the pivot point in this lament?
B. Share a time you had to trust before you knew God would meet you.
C. What do you learn from the Tim Keller quote or anything else in this section?
Wednesday: It is Good
12. Read Lamentations 3:20-24 very slowly and find a nugget of gold to remember. Ponder and apply. This is a rich text.
13. Pastor Mark says that in the Hebrew Lament. 3:25-27 begins with Good — rephrase each of the sentences beginning with Good.
- Good
- Good
- Good
14. What are some good ways according to Lament. 3:28-42 to respond to the Lord’s discipline?
15. How might you do this now? Pray silently or here.
16. Finish Lamentations 3 and find 2 examples each of:
Lament
Asking questions
Trusting
Thursday: Hope Springs From Truth Rehearsed
The reason we keep Gratitude Journals, share God Hunts, or rehearse His promises is to prepare for the inevitable storms of life.
17. Share a recent God Hunt or express gratitude here.
18. Finish Chapter 6 (Hope Springs from Truth Rehearsed) and share notes and comments.
Friday: Reflection Questions
18. In your own personal lament for right now, what are some truths you need to speak to your soul?
19. Choose another reflection question from the book to answer.
Saturday: Take-A-Way
20. What is your take-a-way and why?
172 comments
5. Read Job 19:17-27
A.Some of the pictures Job gives are: That he is strange to his wife and a stench to his brothers and sisters. Young children despise him and talk against him. All his intimate friends abhor him. Those he loves turned against him.His bones stick to his flesh and he escaped by the skin of his teeth.
B. In Job 25-27, Job states that he knows his redeemer lives and that his skin may be gone but he will see Him in the flesh.
Heaven: God will redeem, we will see The Lord.
6. Read Lamentations 3:1-20
A. Find at least 3 pictures Jeremiah paints to tell the Lord of his sorrow. Vs. 6 dwell in darkness like the dead, vs. 10, 11 God is like a lion or bear lying in wait to tear him to pieces, vs. 13 drove like an arrow into his kidney.
B. Do any of these remind you of Job? I think the ‘made to dwell in darkness’ line sounds a lot like Job.
C. Do any of these remind you of Jesus? Maybe the arrow being driven in, like the death on a cross, physical agony.
7. Read Lamentations 3:21-24
A. What does Jeremiah do in verse 21? Recalls to his mind, that the Lord’s mercies keep us from being consumed.
Why is it important to take our souls in hand and speak truth to them? Maybe we need to be intentional about speaking truth to our souls because in a default/unintentional mode we tend to speak brokenness and lies to ourselves.
B. Why is the believer not consumed by sorrow? Because God’s compassions do not fail us. His faithfulness is GREAT!
C. How often are His mercies new? Have you found this to be true? Explain. Every morning. Maybe like Israel needed manna every morning for that days need so is God’s mercy given to us each morning for the day ahead.
D. What does verse 24 mean? It means just as we are given ‘our’ portion of an inheritance, ‘our’ portion of a meal, or my favorite dessert, God is where AJ will find my sustenance, hope, strength, and satisfaction.
Friday: Reflection Questions
18. In your own personal lament for right now, what are some truths you need to speak to your soul? – Lord help! I’m tired, I want to just be able to relax. Why does what some people do just rub me the wrong way. My attitude needs an adjustment Lord. I know I am where you want me to be right now, I know I need to just sit back and relax and enjoy the ride. But I don’t. I still sit and mumble. I need you to help me be still, be comforted and have peace. I know these things come from you Lord, and I know you have given them to me in the past. I will wait upon you to give me the go ahead so I am in your will. In Jesus Name Amen.
19. Choose another reflection question from the book to answer. – Question 4-which of the 4 heart shaping truths are most applicable to your life right now? Why? – #2Waiting is not a waste – I so have to get this in my head. I’m ready to be done working. I’m ready to move to Tennessee. I just feel exhausted and I’m guessing it is because I’m trying to control what I’m to be doing instead of letting God take the controls. I have to wait on Him for all this to fall in place so then we know it is of his will, but oh it is so hard. I need to find what I’m to be learning in this waiting game I have going on right now. Lord lead me to the lesson and let me know the time will come.
Lord, I agree with Julie, waiting is such a hard thing for us humans…living in a time when we can get fast-food, fast delivery from Amazon etc., we’ve come to expect things “now.” I pray that you would show Julie what You’re trying to teach her through this time of “waiting” and may she trust in Your perfect timing. Amen
In my own personal lament I need to express how heartbroken I am that my son has chosen to move his family across country. He seeks God’s approval in everything, so I know that it is right, but I am going to miss them terribly!!
Oh yes, you will! Hard!
I’m sorry, Dawn, and I understand your heart breaking over this. Both my sons live far away and it is hard, missing them. I am thankful for FaceTime, though one of our sons has an Android phone and can’t FaceTime.
Dawn, I get this as my daughter is in Seattle, WA-too far from us, and has been a hot spot for COVID. I miss her every day. Praying for us as mothers that God will give us a full measure of grace and peace when our hearts are crying for our children.
Dawn–as I read this about your son moving across country, I remembered my own move 14 years ago–away from all of both sides of our family, who are all in one city. My mom was the only one who seemed to support our move. I know it was and still is hard on her, but while my sisters took it personally, she never has, and was supportive, even excited for us. It made a huge difference to me. Honestly, it’s one of the ways she has best loved me. So as I read you says you know he has sought the Lord on this, that shows that you see this as bigger than you, it’s not personal–it’s the Lord’s leading. I can see how you will be his support, and how much that will mean to him!
5. Read Job 19:17-27
A. What are some of the pictures Job gives God of his woes?
His wife, closest friends, and loved ones have turned against him. Even the young do not respect Job. They refuse to listen to him. He is skin and bones. He is in anguish and his friends persecute him.
B. In Job 25-27, what vision is Job given? Find everything you can about heaven.
Job says that he knows that his Redeemer will one day stand upon the earth, and that even after his own body has decayed, yet, in his body, he will see God. His own eyes will see God. This speaks of a resurrected and perfected body, and that heaven may be a new earth where we all will live with God.
6. Read Lamentations 3:1-20
A. Find at least 3 pictures Jeremiah paints to tell the Lord of his sorrow.
He uses imagery of deep darkness, saying that God has brought him into deep darkness, shutting out all light, and buried him in a dark place like a dead person. He also uses imagery of being imprisoned, saying that God as walled him in, binding him in heavy chains, and there is no escape. He uses imagery to describe God as a lion who dragged him away and hurt him with his claws, leaving him wounded.
B. Do any of these remind you of Job?
Yes, as Job feels afflicted by God, injured, helpless, desolate.
C. Do any of these remind you of Jesus?
Yes, when Jesus quoted from the psalms from the cross, feeling surrounded by his enemies who were like wild beasts attacking. He felt abandoned and forsaken. And Jesus did go into deep darkness and was buried with the dead.
7. Read Lamentations 3:21-24
A. What does Jeremiah do in verse 21?
He begins “the turn”, saying that despite all this horror, “YET” he still dares to hope in God.
Why is it important to take our souls in hand and speak truth to them?
Because if we don’t, we’ll continue ever downward into despair and hopelessness. We will let the lies overcome us. I believe this may be why even a believer commits suicide. They are overcome and overwhelmed and see no way out.
B. Why is the believer not consumed by sorrow?
Well, I might say that it’s possible, initially, for a believer to be consumed by sorrow. Grief can be a deep, deep pit to climb out of. But for the believer, God is there and there is a spark of hope, though it may be buried for a time, and God will fan it into life and help it to grow. I love the verse that says that God will never break a bruised reed, nor snuff out a smoldering wick.
C. How often are His mercies new? Have you found this to be true? Explain.
“His mercies begin afresh each day.” I have found this to be true. I am reminded of this verse, literally, each morning as the sky lightens and a new day begins. Each day is an opportunity for me to have a fresh, clean slate with God. It’s a reminder to let go and stop dragging around yesterday’s failures into today.
D. What does verse 24 mean?
It says that we hope in God because He is our inheritance. It doesn’t say that He will leave us an inheritance, but that He Himself is our inheritance. That means that “He is ours”. It also means that God chooses this, to give Himself to us.
Friday: Reflection Questions
18. In your own personal lament for right now, what are some truths you need to speak to your soul?
Lord, COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc in our nation and around the world. How long will this drag on? How long will your people continue to feel forgotten? How long will you hide your face from us?
School has started re-opening. For those of us who are meeting in person with students, we are full of trepidation about the re-entry. My soul is at times downcast. BUT You, O Lord, are faithful. I call to mind and therefore I have hope. Your mercies are new every morning (Jeremiah 3:21, 23). We do not know what to do but our eyes are upon you ( II Chronicles 20:12). Help me to focus on you FIRST, for you are my present help (Psalm 46:1) in times of trouble. As I lead my students ( and as a pastor wife) let me heed the words of Jahaziel to the king and take heart. “Take up your positions, stand firm, and see the deliverance the Lord will give you. Do not be afraid; and do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow (face the difficult circumstances) and the Lord will be with you.”II Chronicles 20:14-17
I found this encouraging article based on the lament of King Jehoshaphat by Louie Giglio in Christianity Today.
https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2020/april-web-only/we-dont-know-what-to-do-but-our-eyes-are-on-you.html
Bing, your lament and the article were so encouraging…I thank God for your tender heart and selfless service to Him.
19. Choose another reflection question from the book to answer.
Which of the 4 heart-shaping truths are most applicable for your life right now? Why?
Waiting is not a waste. I am not a very patient person. There are a few things I am waiting on God for. And like what someone has quipped before, “God, give me patience and I want it now.” LOL So hard to wait on God’s timing-end of COVID, retirement (Lord willing, this is my last year of teaching), move to my husband’s hometown. I can go on and on here. Again, I have to rehearse the truth:
He has made everything beautiful in His time. Ecclesiastes 3:11
He determined the appointed times and the boundaries where they would live. Acts 17:26 EHV
In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9
Saturday: Take-A-Way
20. What is your take-a-way and why?
The title, “Hope springs from truth rehearsed”. Present times are unsettling right now. Change comes every day, every hour. But the Lord is immutable. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hope is kept alive in my soul.
Bing! Whoa, ‘But the Lord is immutable. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. ‘...that is exactly what I said to Him yesterday as I was struggling to trust and it was a balm, like a warm blanket, for on a human level I have been hurt deeply by unfaithfulness. He is faithful-unchanging..the same yesterday, today and forever. It is so good, so fully satisfying to be His, and He will never be unfaithful. It is by nothing I have done or earned. He did it all! 🙂
20. What is your take-a-way and why?
A LOT This week! I will just say that He’s taking me deeper which makes me hate my sin more because that is what puts distance between us. It’s like He keeps removing rocks from the stream with these trials stripping away what keeps me from going deeper with Him, yet he is comforting me with remembering His mercies and experiencing them every day. What love is this??! Just even in this huge trial I am facing right now- He has been SO faithful.
1. When did you realize that Lamentations 3:22-23 was the end of a lament? What does this tell you? I did not realize it until this study. Because of this, this passage means even more to me now.
2. Tim Keller says that when our hearts say: “There is no hope!” We should argue back. Was there a time you did this? If so, share what you told your heart. I do this nearly daily because of the ongoing fiery trials I face in my work. It’s a daily thing!
3. Read the opening of Chapter 6 in Dark Clouds up to “No Hope” and share what stands out to you. I thought about the “war zone” and wondered how differently we might live if we could actually see the principalities and powers that are warring around us and could see the hedge of protection that God has around His own. I think we forget how so much of what we experience is part of spiritual warfare. If we belong to Christ, Satan cannot take us but he can discourage us and make us ineffective as a threat to him.
Dee, I just want to thank you again for obeying God’s leading regarding this book study. After I typed and posted my answer/comment to the Saturday question, I was reading an email from one of my respected teacher coach, Angela Watson. Her very words, “When you are overwhelmed with planning for the temporary, return to what you know is true and important. You’ve got this.” I also need to rehearse truths related to education, student relationships, classroom management, etc. Hope springs from truths rehearsed!
4. Can you think of any other well-known hymns or songs that are the end of a lament? This is an old hymn that has been modernized, “I Cannot See the Light, My Lord” that I just discovered this week.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42e5sDttuWY
17. Share a recent God Hunt or express gratitude here.
I am grateful that I have a job where I can spend quality time with my family in the summer. Although it has been a challenging season in life this year, I do think we are “making memories” for the toddlers and ourselves.
18. Finish Chapter 6 (Hope Springs from Truth Rehearsed) and share notes and comments.
Fight negative thoughts even when it seems like you can’t.
Remember Gods truths:
1) Gods mercy never ends, even under dark clouds. each day we see evidence of God’s grace. We have enough, in God. He never stops being Him. We have hope in that.
2) Waiting is not a waste of time. You may not be doing anything, but He is. We are not in control. It is hard. The uncertainty of what may happen is haunting. It is good to have learned this early in life. You may wait by praying, “God I don’t know why this is the way it is, but I will continue to wait for You to teach me the lessons I need to learn.”
3) The final word has not been spoken. Suffering involves the fear that it will never end. Suffering and pain are not victorious. Gods plan is full of compassion and the final word will be spoken in the end. We lament by faith.
4) God is always good. God doesn’t delight in the pain of His children. We don’t know the whole story. We must trust that God is good and His intentions are kind. He is not enjoying your struggle. If you are a follower of Jesus, everything in your life is part of His work in your life.
The authors‘ poem is wonderful.
5. Read Job 19:17-27
A. What are some of the pictures Job gives God of his woes? My bones stick to my skin and to my flesh; I have escaped by the skin of my teeth; I am a stench to my children
B. In Job 25-27, what vision is Job given? (This is amazing for Job lived in the time of Genesis.) Find everything you can about heaven! That his redeemer lives and that he will see God, his eyes will behold Him!
6. Read Lamentations 3:1-20
A. Find at least 3 pictures Jeremiah paints to tell the Lord of his sorrow. Enveloped me in bitterness and tribulation; He has made my teeth grind on gravel; He drove into my kidneys the arrows of his quiver; He is a bear lying in wait for me, a lion in hiding; He has made my chains heavy.
B. Do any of these remind you of Job? Yes, the myriad of losses are depicted in great emotional suffering that impacts him physically. It almost seems that this suffering is more difficult than the physical pain.
C. Do any of these remind you of Jesus? Yes. I would have loved to have been a fly on the shoulder of Jesus when He prayed to His Father when those prayers are not recorded…and then again, they may have broke my heart.
7. Read Lamentations 3:21-24
A. What does Jeremiah do in verse 21? Why is it important to take our souls in hand and speak truth to them? He REMEMBERS. My word I chose to focus on last year was “remember,” and it was a powerful word! I came across a quote one time that says, “If we take pause to think, we will have cause to thank.” I believe that Satan often uses our own head and voice to discourage and buffet our souls. I know from a mental health perspective, and I believe it also to transcend into biblical principles, that what we dwell on determines our emotions and subsequent behavior. There truly is power in the Word of God and the truth proclaimed there. We need to remember with intention.
B. Why is the believer not consumed by sorrow? Because of God’s unceasing and steadfast love…I like the term lovingkindness. Despite what we see, that love is ever present, and we are not forgotten or removed. For His eye is on the sparrow…and I know He watches me.
C. How often are His mercies new? Have you found this to be true? Explain. Every morning I awake is an indication of God’s mercy. Earlier this week, when the alarm came on, I nearly cried at the thought of having to face the office for five days. But His mercy helped me become perpendicular with the floor and into the shower and step by step and each day He made it easier. I also find when my mind is stayed on Him, His merciful peace is there waiting.
D. What does verse 24 mean? The Lord is my inheritance…I shall not want!
18. In your own personal lament for right now, what are some truths you need to speak to your soul?
You can do this. God is with me. Please give me persistence Lord. I need Your help. I’m trying To remember that You have the plan. I’m trying to remember that You are God and I am not. You have helped me in the past. You can help me now.
8. In Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy, chapter 6, read the section “No Hope” and share what
stands out to you.
9. Now read “You Have Taken Up My Cause” and share the main point.
10. Bring to mind one time when God “took up your cause.” When I needed residential services for my severely autistic son, Caleb. He was constantly agitated and needed more than I could provide. He needed predictability, a controlled environment, behavioral programming, and awake staff 24 hours a day. I could have institutionalized him, but that was not fair to him. He needed to live a life in the community with access to the life that those without disabilities could access. I cannot begin to go into detail the intense trial this was and how high the stakes were. I sued the county for services knowing if I had lost, I would have had to relinquish custody for him to get services but I would have no decision-making authority and would the services be appropriate. Yet God took up His cause. Those were hard hard months, and yet God continually showed me in very specific ways and supernatural ways that this was His will and He would see it through. And I had peace because I knew that Caleb has a great God!
11. Read “Dare to Hope”
A. Why is verse 21 the pivot point in this lament? It was when hope came into view, although there was no tangible change in circumstances.
B. Share a time you had to trust before you knew God would meet you. I go back to the scenario I mentioned with Caleb. Filing due process for Caleb, I was going up against some pretty big people and big state systems. It took faith to do so, before I could actually sense God in this with me.
C. What do you learn from the Tim Keller quote or anything else in this section? I love the statement by Vroegop, “You live through suffering by what you believe, NOT by what you see or feel.” You could also use the word “remember” in place of “believe.” Also that it takes effort and intention to combat the toll that suffering takes and “to fight to reorient my heart.” And in suffering, that is when you have the least amount of strength and effort to do so. That’s where grace, I believe, steps in. OR His mercies.
12. Read Lamentations 3:20-24 very slowly and find a nugget of gold to remember. Ponder and apply. This is a rich text. The LORD is my portion. The Lord is MY portion. Come what may, the Lord is mine. He is my inheritance. He is in this with me. All He has is available to me…His wisdom, His omnipotence, His omniscience, His compassion, His lovingkindness…are my resources as well.
14. What are some good ways according to Lament. 3:28-42 to respond to the Lord’s discipline? First to examine ourselves and ask for God’s forgiveness and His grace (the power and the will) to help us repent. But not all suffering is the result of our particular sins, but He uses it to refine us and to turn on the fire to remove dross that has made us impure…that He might refine us like silver. Gary Thomas speaks of this process in detail in his book “Every Body Matters.”
15. How might you do this now? Pray silently or here. Heavenly Father, I continue to pray for your grace and help through the fiery trial I’m walking through at work. See if there be any wicked way in me…humble me…keep me honest and show me my err that I might be more able to reflect you in this toxic environment.
16. Finish Lamentations 3 and find 2 examples each of:
Lament – You have made us scum and garbage among the peoples; panic and pitfall have come upon us.
Asking questions – Maybe I need more coffee, but I could not find any questions in the remainder of chapter 3.
Trusting – That he is heard by the Lord; that the Lord will take up his cause.
The reason we keep Gratitude Journals, share God Hunts, or rehearse His promises is to prepare for the inevitable storms of life.
17. Share a recent God Hunt or express gratitude here. I am grateful in the heat of the past weeks in the office, I have not been consumed! It has been God’s faithfulness in the fire for which I am grateful today.
18. Finish Chapter 6 (Hope Springs from Truth Rehearsed) and share notes and comments. I took to heart the prayer example the author provided. In the middle of these kind of interpersonal trials, I am emotionally and intellectually exhausted. I want to reach out to God before I go to sleep at night, but I am spent. I have used this type of prayer this week and it has helped my sleep immensely, and I don’t feel guilty for not using my energy for a long impassioned prayer out of “woulda, coulda, shoulda” guilt. Also, many of my prayers are written out in my journal…including my laments. At the end of the day, I just don’t have it. For me, this simple example was life changing in what I am going through.
18. In your own personal lament for right now, what are some truths you need to speak to your soul? That God is not a wimp and does not change. He is mindful of me and doing what He promises in Phil. 1:6. His purposes may be mysterious but I can be confident that all is for my good. That God is for me. That I should be of good courage and not be dismayed for the Lord is with me. That nothing can separate me from His lovingkindness. That He knows the way I take and when I have been tested, I shall come forth as gold. That the Lord cannot forget me for He has engraved me on His hands. “Despite what I see, despite what I feel, God is good.”
19. Choose another reflection question from the book to answer. Which of the four heart-shaping truths are most applicable to your life right now? Why? Waiting is not a waste. Waiting is just plain hard! It has become harder as we live in such an “instant” society. Sacrifice for the long-term is practically unheard of anymore. I love how Vroegop again repeats the concept of “active patience” and that this is the season when God refines us the most. Definitely…it has been the waiting.
20. What is your take-a-way and why? So much in this rich chapter. I don’t think I can narrow it down, but I do have a prayer request. Every Thursday we have our interdisciplinary team meeting in palliative care. We sign up each week to do the “memorial moment,” which is usually a reading of some kind after we have memorialized any children who have died in the past week. This Thursday is my turn. I feel moved to read Mark Vroegop’s poem about Sylvia…which is very Christian. People get very nervous about Christian, although I don’t know why when at times people read from a Buddhist or Hindu tradition. Pray that this would be received well and God will use this opportunity to acknowledge Him in an environment that is not particularly Christ-friendly.
I’ll be praying for you Denise.
I am praying Denise. Today’s bible verses to pray for my neighbors are Philippians 1-22-29. It is about not being nervous to share God with others. So apropos! Take care!
Praying for your sharing of Vroegop’s poem on Thursday, Denise. One thing I have been learning is that we are responsible to be obedient to God’s leading. God is responsible for using our obedience for His glory. Do not be afraid. Greater is He who is in us than he that is in the world.
Oh that is hard, Dawn!
Thank you, Denise.
My personal take away and my lament is that no one but God and my husband seems to understand how heartbroken I am that my son and his family have moved so far away. It would have been better if they had kids after they moved, but now we’re attached.
On a positive note, every one of their plans have worked out. The house they left in Michigan (which belonged to her aunt) sold immediately. The paperwork that they needed to get their apartment in SD kept running into problems and when they were in Cedar Rapids, IA (when a hurricane force storm hit). They received an email that the paperwork for their apartment still had problems and it was going to be several more weeks before they could move in. My son got online and found a farmhouse for rent for cheaper than the apartment was going to be with immediate occupancy.
My son and his family have a spacious place to live and he starts his new job on Monday. This is what I have (somewhat begrudgingly) praying for him.
Dawn, I feel your heartache, for I had to go through this same experience with 2 of my 3 children. What seemed so disastrous in the move was what God used for good in their lives.It has required my husband and myself to pray constantly for them and the grandchildren.
Thank you, Shirley. I am encouraged by others experiences in this situation. I know that this a normal part of life, but it doesn’t stop the pain of the moment.
I will be praying for you and your son. It does sound like he is in a good spot though…
17. My gratitude this week is that I read the book 7 Women. As I read the biographies of these amazing women what stood out was that through suffering and their journey of faith, they contributed so much to the lives of others. The last 2 that I read were Corrie TenBoom and Mother Teresa. Both of these women gave their lives to bring joy and hope to others in the most difficult circumstances. I was greatly inspired.
18. Hope Springs from Truth Rehearsed: This final section in chapter 6 concludes with 4 truths: 1. God’s mercy never ends. The Hebrew word hesed means God’s covenant love for his people. God’s mercy leads us to him. 2. Waiting is not a waste. We are reminded through scripture that it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Waiting is difficult, but it is through this process that we put our trust in God.
3.The final word has not been spoken. Yes, the pain of lament causes us to hope for the future. God has a plan and I think of the verse, All things work together for good… even though it is now unknown. 4. God is always good, and Lamentations 3:33 “for he does not afflict from his heart or grieve the children of men.” Mark reminds us that “lament is the language that moves us from our sorrow to the truth of God.” The poem that he wrote about the loss of Sylvia is so touching.
18.Personal lament : Well, my personal lament teaches me the truth of scripture as I just pondered, it is necessary to wait on God. He is loving and good, and his plan is best. Eleven months ago I was going through a time of personal suffering and didn’t see an end in sight. The way it has been working out for me is not like anything I expected. I am so grateful to God and want to just praise and thank him. In spite of many life challenges this year, God is teaching me that I need to just keep trusting and obeying.
19. Reflection question: Does the phrase “dare to hope” resonate with you? What is risky about hope when you are suffering?
Daring to hope involves faith. Faith is the basis of my Christian experience. So yes, I will dare to hope. I do have a lot of years as a Christian, and I have so much to be thankful for. Therefore it is a reality for me to hope. I guess the risky part is that I may not like the path that I must walk because it may not be an easy road, and I may have to go through the refining fire which causes pain, but God knows what I need to go through better than I do. If I choose the easy road, I will not grow stronger. Sometimes the result may be for someone else, to point the way to Jesus’ love and salvation.
20. My take away: I will never sing Great is Thy Faithfulness again without the background of Lamentations coming to mind.
Yes! to everything that you said, Shirley.
12. Read Lamentations 3:20-24 very slowly and find a nugget of gold to remember. Ponder and apply. This is a rich text.
God is my portion, God is my sustenance, God is my strength, God is my wisdom, God is my companion, He is what I need each day.
13. Pastor Mark says that in the Hebrew Lament. 3:25-27 begins with Good — rephrase each of the sentences beginning with Good.
Good is what God gives as a portion for those who wait for him.
Good is attained for those who continue to wait and hope on God.
Good is learned when one bears the the heaviness early in life.
14. What are some good ways according to Lament. 3:28-42 to respond to the Lord’s discipline? Sit and be silent and humble ourselves before the Lord. Receive the discipline, with a repenting attitude. Search and examine our ways, turning our heads back to God offering our hearts and hands to the Lord.
15. How might you do this now? Pray silently or here.
16. Finish Lamentations 3 and find 2 examples each of:
Lament vs. 45 my eyes overflow with rivers of water. Vs 49 my eye flow and do not cease.
Asking questions Vs37 Who has spoken it and made it come to pass if not the Lord. Vs38 Why should a living man complain.
Trusting Vs. 21-22 He has hope in the steadfast love of the Lord. Vs24 He has hope because the Lord is his portion.
17. Share a recent God Hunt or express gratitude here. I am hesitant to share this maybe because of fear, but my girls this week asked my husband if he is a Christian and his answer to both of them is yes. So far he isn’t the typical new believer, (reading his bible jumping in enthusiastically)but for him to even say that is another step in his journey that is new and growth.
18. Finish Chapter 6 (Hope Springs from Truth Rehearsed) and share notes and comments.
His poem is beautiful. How important it is for us to return from our pain and sorrow that God is good, God is faithful, and Jesus has overcome the grave.
18. In your own personal lament for right now, what are some truths you need to speak to your soul? That Christ has the victory over death: “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?””I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
19. 4. Does the phrase “dare to hope” resonate with you? What is risky about hope when your suffering? I want to hope, but I fear God won’t show up. I mean I struggle because when the events that cause suffering happen they seem to indicate God did not show up, so the lie becomes if God allowed such and such what else will he allow.
My take away: is that I need to rehearse God’s truth, God’s character to myself. My default is to rehearse my fears and how to guard myself from them