September 13 Wednesday Weeping
The kids and I are currently in a fall mini-session for school, and the topic this week was these United States. It was hard to kick-off the studies on September 11. What a devastating memory to recount. I think each generation may have one or (Lord, forbid) two of these types of experiences, where a person can remember where they were and what they were doing when they received the news. Have mercy.
I am beginning to understand the heaviness I sense in our older generations. It’s as if the accumulation of this life adds gravity to the message of the Good News. After living enough of this life, the only hope is in the eternity prepared for us by the Father. I sense some of these inklings myself, wondering what kind of life my children will have, and seeing them continue to grow, age and mature, so that teaching them becomes an urgent, important life work.
How it hurts to watch evil and wickedness prosper in this world with no regard for You.
The passage of time seems so cruel to those stuck in grief, processing their loss while everything and everyone else relentlessly marches forward.
I am sad for those who weep with no one to console them.
Father, it is sometimes overwhelming to walk this life among wolves and goats.
Where are the peacemakers?
The choices others make for evil are crippling them and they don’t even see it!
The kingdom of God is suffering violence, and I hate watching it.
Lord, the injustice that Your people suffer in this life is maddening and threatens to discouragement!
All of the above are laments of my heart in this current season. But they do not lodge in my spirit, since I am washed by the Word, and have my mind renewed by the knowledge of Him who has called me and saved me. Heaven answers each of these complaints. My Savior and Shepherd guides me through the valley by His Light and His Truth.
A prayer based on Psalm 25
Lord, it’s to You that I lift up my soul. I trust in You. Please don’t let me be ashamed. Do not let Your enemies triumph, and let no one who waits on You be ashamed. Shame those who deal treacherously with others and with You without cause. Show me Your ways, and guide me in Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation and on You I wait all the day. Move, Father, in Your tender mercies and lovingkindnesses, for they are from old. Do not act on the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions. According to Your mercy, remember me and act, for your goodness’ sake. Good and upright are You Lord, therefore You teach sinners in the way. You guide the humble in justice and You teach them Your way. All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth, to such as keep His covenant and His testimonies. For Your name’s sake, O Lord, pardon my iniquity, for it is great. Lord, I see You teach the man who fears You. The secret of the Lord is with those who fear You, and You will show them Your covenant. My eyes are always on You, Lord, for You shall pluck my feet from the net. Turn Yourself to me and have mercy on me, for I am desolate and afflicted. The troubles of my heart have enlarged; bring me out of my distresses! Look on my affliction and my pain, and forgive all my sins. Consider my enemies, for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred. Keep my soul and deliver me; let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in You. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for You. Redeem us, O God, out of all our troubles!
