The Power of Lament – Beloved Women – December 18, 2023
READ: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ESV)
TODAY’S ENCOURAGEMENT: Humor has always been my defense mechanism. I don’t like sitting in pain or grief. It’s hard, it’s messy, and caring for people (whether family members or what’s happening to people around the world) is a heavy burden. Yet, even in the painful, God reveals to us how we can work through it and carry on in His work.
Lament.
For so long, it felt like an ancient practice to me. I can’t give an exact reason why, the Psalms are full of deep and soulful cries out to the Lord. Vincent E. Bacote wrote that “to lament means we participate in an ongoing practice of putting our disappointments in God’s hands, including the times when we are tempted to get out of the game.”
I don’t have to pretend to laugh off whatever pain I’m feeling, God knows and He wants our disappointments. When I bring them to the feet of Jesus, cry out in my pain, He will be there as my comfort. Lamenting is good for the soul. It helps our hearts to heal. It also draws us closer to Him. We can then have the strength to get up and keep walking on the path the Lord has for us.
PRAY: Lord, my heart is heavy. My soul hurts, but You are there to hear my disappointments, frustrations, anger, and tiredness. Give me strength, because I know only You can. In Jesus Christ’s Name, I Pray, Amen.
REFLECT: What do you need to lament today? Take time to write it out.
CONNECT: Find more encouragement from Jamie Lapeyrolerie at www.musingsofjamie.wordpress.com.
© 2020 by Jamie Lapeyrolerie. All rights reserved.
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