Grief, sorrow, regret, mourning, hard times, destruction…
How is it possible to empathize with and forgive someone who is lamenting?
Life can be a downer at times.
We live in a broken world where unhealthy choices are made and suffering occurs.
Life’s
difficulties may be rare or frequent. Troubles could be momentary or
lingering. Torment may be physical or emotional. Consequences may affect
few or many. Details may be public or private. Pain, loneliness,
suffering, hypocrisy, sickness, and hardships are a part of this crooked
generation.
“Is there an answer to the ‘generations of pain’ that continue the cascade of prejudice, violence, sadness, hurt, injustice and confusion? Yes, but the answer does not flow from our own hearts and it will not take effect because of our efforts or outrage. The answer comes from outside ourselves.”—Rev. Michael Newman (read more)
True lamenting expresses sincere regret for one’s own sin and can help rebuild trust. A fake apology may be only a coverup for being exposed and often includes the words but or if.
“Lament allows us to fully face and name our pain, and it creates space
for future resolution and hope without glossing over our trauma.” —Whitney Woollard (read more)
Lamentations 3:22-24
 |
| The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” Lamentations 3:22-24 |
What are our options?
- Believers receive the faith, lament sins, confess insufficiency to earn salvation, repent of wrongs and are forgiven in the Name of Jesus. With power and strength in Baptism, the Word (Bible) and the the Lord’s Supper, the Comforter mercifully transforms and guides them to trust God’s promise that after earthly death begins eternal life with Jesus in paradise—and there will be no more pain or tears!
- Unbelievers deny the work of Christ as Savior. God’s judgement on those who reject the Holy Spirit results in suffering for eternity in hell.
Jesus took the punishment we deserve. Our only hope is in Christ.
By the faith the Holy Spirit provides, even in suffering, believers praise and rely on God’s grace. His unending mercies remove all sin, guilt and worry. He intercedes for, forgives, patiently holds and encourages those who trust Him.
God sometimes allows affliction to draw people to His compassion and peace.
Don’t push away the hope God gives! Repent. He wants to be merciful, forgive, and be kind to all. Give Him the glory and share the Good News!
“God has a great secret we all need to learn. Do you know what it is? Live one day at a time!”—Rev. Darold Reiner (listen to or read the Mustard Seed Devotion)
Links on Lamentations
- Great is Thy faithfulness,
O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee.
Thou changest not:
Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been,
Thou forever wilt be.
Refrain:
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed
Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness,
Lord, unto me! - Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love. [Refrain] - Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! [Refrain]
