I have been reading A Sacred Sorrow: Reaching Out to God in the Lost Language of Lament by Michael Card. Job, David, Jeremiah, and Jesus all cry out to God in their pain, when they face crushing problems. You know Jesus was a "Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief" (Is 53:3).
Tears and sorrow, pain, and problems are part of the human condition. They cannot be sidestepped. At times we find ourselves wandering in the wilderness. Sometimes "wilderness" is called by another name: illness, injury, war, unemployment, bankruptcy, family breakup, failure, and the list goes on.
Then we cry and we cry out to God. Why, God? Where are you, God? How will I endure this? Pour out your feelings. God can handle the unedited version. Maybe it's time to read the Psalms or Lamentations?
Given a choice we tend to pursue happiness and dream of prosperity. However, that is not how Jesus experienced life. "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." Matthew 16:24
What burden are you being asked to carry? How are you coping? Where or to whom have you turned for help?
I appreciate Michael Card sharing his journey. We can either focus on the pain and problems or we can seek God's presence, Immanuel, God with us, no matter what. God does not promise to fix, to heal, or to solve whatever problem weighs us down. He does promise to be with us to the end of the age. Anyone who has read stories in the Bible realizes God's people have suffered. They have lamented. They have worshipped God in the wilderness. Persecution, prison, and prayer are described throughout the Bible.
Lament is the first step towards worship. In our neediness, we come to know who God is, all that God has done for us, and all that God has given. Walking with God is the turning point from despair to worship. God's presence is enough.
Michael Card. Immanuel. July 2, 2017.
