4 minute read
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” (Lamentations 3:22-24 NIV)
When life is overwhelming, cry out to Jesus.
Lamentation’s author is unknown, a collection of five poems. He’s writing about the fall of Jerusalem and the Exile, a world tragedy. The words are out of suffering and pain. As the chapter begins, the writer cries out to God; then, he changes his tune. He remembers God can and will save them from their circumstances in His time.
“Lament, prayer and grief are a crucial part of the journey of faith for God’s people in a broken world. That is what the book of Lamentations is about.” The Bible Project, ‘Lamentations’
Lamenting is allowed.
Lamenting is a passionate expression of grief or sorrow. What I classify as “dark nights of the soul” is lamenting to me. Wrestling with God about the pain you’re in, looking for hope when all seems lost. We are allowed to grieve and grieve well; we need to let out the emotion.
Recently, an event I attended reminded me of my mother, who passed away six years ago. The emotions overwhelmed me. Minutes after my husband pulled out of the parking lot; the tears started rolling down my cheeks. For the next 48 hours, I grieved my mother’s loss deeply—something I hadn’t done in a while. My heart physically hurt from missing her, realizing I won’t see her again until I get to heaven. In my pain, I cried out to Jesus, asking Him for relief.
Relief came in the form of a butt dial.
My phone rang just as I was about to start my day. The name on the screen was one I didn’t expect, a co-worker from over 20 years ago. Without hesitation, I answered the phone. We hadn’t spoken to each other in a decade. We spent the next three and a half hours catching up with each other, sharing our hearts. Before the call ended, we scheduled lunch. God knew I needed my friend. And the call began because the phone butt dialed in her pocket as she was out for her morning walk. God’s divine intervention and answer to my lamenting.
Lament to God, let your heart’s sorrows out. Whatever you feel, release it to Him. Give Him your burdens, in return, take on His yoke:
“Take my yoke upon you…for I am gentle and humble in heart…you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28 NIV)
Allow yourself to lament, unloading your burdens to Jesus. Then put on His yoke and find rest.
Question of the Day:
What lament have you not expressed to God?
Further Reading:Lamentations 3 NIV, Hebrews 1 NIV, Psalm 102 NIV, Proverbs 26:21-22 NIV
