July 19 Wednesday Weeping
Deep hurt
In continuing my own lament, I have felt a door open to my Father, and that is why I choose door photographs to accompany these posts each time. What if by walking through that door, I find a broad and open place to be myself, and enter into the privilege and company of God’s Presence? Most of the time, the eternal seems mysterious, and I grow weary trying to explain it to myself. Instead, I would rather accept the truth of His Word, and encourage you in your own pursuit of Him. He is ready to be found, and He seeks you, too. Here is where I wrote my original post on lament, and as I continue on my own journey, I invite you to join me. Would you lift your voice with mine to acknowledge how deeply painful this life can be? Comment below with your own laments.
Oh, the grief
Father, why is it that it sometimes look like You’ve answered my prayers, and then everything seems to fall apart, and those answers dissolve?
Why does rejection, abandonment and turmoil in this world seem more real than the eternal truth of Your acceptance, Presence and peace?
What is happening among Your people? I see and hear so much bickering, strife, envy and tribalism. It’s exhausting.
Why are some days a battle from the very beginning? Before I even get out of bed, I feel the friction and wild chaos churning in my soul!
How am I supposed to offer Your love and peace to people around me, when they can’t even look me in the face? What is happening to our culture?
How long will You delay in Your judgment? It appears that evil is increasing and knows no bounds. There are days that fear threatens to overtake my thoughts.
What am I supposed to do while I am waiting on You? I often feel so small, unimportant and confused.
Prayer adapted from Psalm 43
Father God, I am asking that You declare me innocent, vindicate and defend me against unfaithful, ungodly people. Deliver me from the lying, deceitful, wicked and unjust person! You are the God in whom I take refuge, my stronghold, my strength and my only safe haven; why have You rejected me? Why do I go about grieving and mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
Send out Your light and Your truth and faithful care; let them lead me; let them bring me to Your holy hill and to Your dwelling! Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy and delight, and I will praise You with song, O God, my God.
Why are you downcast and in despair, O my soul? Why are you in turmoil, disquieted, restless and disturbed within me? Why am I discouraged and why is my heart so sad? I will wait expectantly for my God. I will put my hope in Him, and I will praise Him again, my Savior, my Help and my God.
Amen.
