GOD ON MUTE

How am I going to get through this?

“And he said to them, ‘I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.’ … He said, ‘Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.’” - Mark 14:34,36

Day 12: Learning to Lament

Pause

“Listen to my words, Lord, consider my lament. Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to  you I pray.” - Psalm 5:1-2

Reflect

  • Bible: “How long, O Lord? Will you hide yourself for ever? How long will your wrath burn like fire? Remember how short my time is - for what vanity you have created all mortals! Who can live and never see death? Who can escape the power of Sheol? Lord, where is your steadfast love of old, which by your faithfulness you swore to David?” - Psalm 89:46-49

  • Book: “Struggling and travail are important expressions of biblical spirituality. … Lamenting is more than a technique for venting emotion. It is one of the fruits of a deepening spiritual life that has learned to stand naked before God, without shame, or pretense. … Honest lament can express a vibrant faith; one that has learned to embrace life’s hardships, as well as its joy, and to lift everything - everything - to the father in prayer.” (p.65)

Ask

  • To whom do you turn when you need help?

  • What is your initial instinct when you face the struggles of life?

  • When was the last time that you intently listened to someone as they talked about their struggles? What was this experience like for you and also for them?

  • Define the word “Lament”. Do you lament? Explain.

  • Describe a moment when you felt like God was hiding from you?

  • Do you feel that lamenting to God is a sign of spiritual maturity or immaturity? Explain.

  • Name some Biblical characters who lamented?

Yield

The African American spiritual, “Fix Me, Jesus”:

Oh yes, fix me, Jesus, fix me.

Fix me so that I can walk on

a little while longer.

Fix me so that I can pray on

just a little bit harder.

Fix me so that I can sing on

just a little bit louder.

Fix me so that I can go on despite the pain, 

the fear, the doubt, and yes, the anger,

I ask not that you take this cross from me,

only that you give me the strength

to continue carrying it onward 'til my dying day.

Oh, fix me, Jesus, fix me.

Amen.



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