pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: lament


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Live Righteously, Even When…

Reading: Habakkuk 2:1-4

Habakkuk 2:3 – “There is still a vision for the appointed time; it testifies to the end; it does not deceive.”

Photo credit: Rainier Ridao

In the remainder of Habakkuk 1, God responds to Habakkuk’s complaint about justice being warped. This response does not ease the prophet’s level of lament and concern over the current situation. In fact, it heightens the prophet’s angst. Habakkuk really questions how a good God could use an evil foreign nation to end the injustice and idolatry of Judah.

Turning to chapter 2 today Habakkuk declares, “I will take my post.” Using the familiar image of a watchman, the prophet lets God know that he will stand guard, keeping watch, listening for God, seeking God’s next response. There is a resolve here, built upon a trust in God. Habakkuk expects God to answer. Considering that God’s last response was the opposite of helpful, this resolve is remarkable.

Starting in verse 2, God does respond. So true are God’s words, God instructs the prophet to clearly write this vision to come on a stone tablet. In verse 3 we read, “There is still a vision for the appointed time; it testifies to the end; it does not deceive.” God has a plan. The plan will unfold in God’s time, according to God’s will, way, and purpose. The plan has an end-game nature to it and God has a 10,000 foot picture to the plan. This is God’s word, therefore it will not deceive.

God then reminds Habakkuk that some (most?) people desire “truly audacious” things. There will be these folks in this present age. But the righteous, God says, they “will live honestly.” They will trust in God as they wait upon God’s word. They will live righteously, assured of God’s plans and purposes, even when they are not yet clear. May this too be our walk of faith.

Prayer: Lord God, in moments of lament, in times of suffering or angst, it can be hard to wait upon you. Patience and trust can be elusive. When we find ourselves there, Lord speak into our hearts and minds. Through the Holy Spirit, build our trust, bolster our faith, deepen our resolve. Thank you for your faithfulness, O God. Amen.


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Our Response?

Reading: Joel 2:23-27

Joel 2:26 – “You will eat abundantly and be satisfied, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God.”

The book of Joel begins with a lament over the destruction of Israel and the causes of this great devastation. The invading armies are like locust – they strip the land bare and leave suffering in their wake. In response, Joel calls for fasting and repentance, both as means to draw close to God once again. Midway through chapter 2 God promises to respond to the changed hearts of the once again faithful people.

As we turn to verse 23, through Joel, God invites the “children of God” to rejoice and be glad. God promises to send rain upon the land, “a sign of righteousness.” This abundant rainfall will lead to an abundant harvest. The grain, grapes, and olives will fill threshing floors and storage vats. In stark contrast to the years of suffering and hunger, God says, “You will eat abundantly and be satisfied, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God.” The peoples’ shame will be no more and they will know “that I am the Lord your God.” God’s love and provision will be clearly evident.

For those who haven’t faced hunger as a way of life, think of recent images in Gaza, in slums outside major urban areas, in poverty-stricken third world nations. Many in our world and even in our nation lack food security. Recent policy changes will likely put more people into this situation. In these places of suffering and hunger, as it was for the people of Joel’s day, shame is often present. Living today in a land of great abundance, we must ask ourselves why hunger is such an overwhelming issue for so many people. It should not be so. As the people of God, what is our response to this injustice?

Prayer: Lord God, open our eyes and hearts to the food needs around us. Whether it is people living in “food deserts” or people wrestling with the decision to buy gas to get to work or to buy food to put on the table, raise up your people to respond. Move us out into the world, filled with compassion, bringing our abundance along with us. Lead us to care well for those created in your image, so that they too might “praise the name of the Lord.” Amen.


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Tears of Grief

Reading: Jeremiah 8:18-9:2

Jeremiah 8:21 – “Because my people are crushed, I am crushed; darkness and despair overwhelm me.”

Photo credit: Rainier Ridao

In today’s passage from Jeremiah it is difficult to determine if God is speaking or if it is Jeremiah speaking. Our verses today seem to be a mix of the two, with both God and prophet expressing their grief over Judah’s fate. For many years, God’s people have been unfaithful to their God. Their choice to abandon God has led to God’s choice to abandon them to their sin. At times we too can choose to separate ourselves from God. We too grieve God’s heart this deeply.

God seems to be the speaker in verses 19-21. The people are asking a question and implying another that are common in times of loss and pain and grief. Directly they are asking where the Lord is: “Isn’t the Lord in Zion?” This is a question often asked in grief. The second question is implied: Why, why is this happening to us? This is a question that we can ask when lost in our sin as well. When our sin that consumed us leads to a place of pain and suffering, we can forget that our choices brought us to this place. In the disorientation of grief, we do ask “Why?”

For God’s people , the answer is given: idol worship has led to this place. As the prophet that worked to turn Judah back to God, Jeremiah grieves too. In verse 21 we read, “Because my people are crushed, I am crushed; darkness and despair overwhelm me.” The tentacles of grief surround the prophet. He laments alongside the people who are far from God. This is a place we will also find ourselves. Walking alongside others in grief, feeling and taking on some of their pain and sorrow. Our tears join their tears as we offer love and comfort in the midst of their hurt and despair. Doing so, we bring God’s presence into the darkness and despair.

Prayer: Lord God, times of grief and suffering are sure to come – to ourselves, to those we love, to our neighbors. In these times, may we sense your presence and may we lean into your love and strength, whether for ourselves or as we walk with others. Be with us in our tears, O God. Amen.


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God’s Goodness and Faithfulness

Reading: Psalm 77:1-15

Psalm 77:6-7 – “I complain, and my spirit keeps searching: Will my Lord reject me forever? Will he never be pleased again?”

Today’s reading has two distinct portions. In verses 1-10 Asaph, the psalmist, pours our the complaint of a troubled heart. This is all lament. In verses 11-15 the focus shifts to a remembrance of God’s works in the past.

The Psalm begins with a crying out and searching for the Lord. The physical joins the spiritual as hands are outstretched, reaching out for God. Weariness caused by an inability to sleep adds to the lament. In verses 6-7 we read, “I complain, and my spirit keeps searching: Will my Lord reject me forever? Will he never be pleased again?” As he continues, Asaph wonders if God has forgotten the promises made to future generations.

We have all felt what Asaph is feeling. Some of us may be in the midst of trial and suffering right now. We can recall times when the illness just lingered in or when the oppression would not cease. We’ve longed for God to intervene and have wondered where God was as that season or situation drug on and on.

Beginning in verse 11 there is a shift. Asaph begins to recall who and what God has been in the past. He remembers wondrous works and demonstrations of God’s strength. He recalls when God redeemed Israel. Asaph is reminding himself of God’s might. This brings him hope. And he is also inviting God to act in these ways once again. He is reminding God of who God is. This too builds his faith.

In our times of hardship and trial – future or present – may we tune into who and what God is, inviting God to walk with us as we work our way back into God’s presence through prayer and the study of God’s word.

Prayer: Lord God, the times when we feel all alone will surely come. Those seasons are a part of everyone’s life at times. When we find ourselves there, Lord, send the whispers of the Holy Spirit straight to our hearts. Guide us to turn to scripture to remind ourselves of your goodness and faithfulness to all generations. Remind us too of the times you redeemed and restored us. Thank you, God. Amen.


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All for Us

Reading: Psalm 22:1-18

Psalm 22:7-8 – “All who see me make fun of me… ‘He committed himself to the Lord, so let God rescue him ‘”

Photo credit: Emily Crawford

In these words of David there is lament, sorrow, pain, abandonment. As we read these words we can feel what David was going through. Perhaps you, like me, connected back to an experience in your life when you felt these emotions. Jesus felt them. Throughout this Psalm we see connections to the passion of the Christ.

David begins with words Jesus echoes from the cross: “My God, my God, why have you left me all alone?” Taking the sin of the world upon himself, God could not look at Jesus. David then recalls times – both personal and corporate – when God rescued, saved, answered the prayers and cries for help. That trust and faith still wants to be there. The pain and suffering just makes it hard.

David is being “insulted by one person, despised by another.” On the cross, Jesus endured taunts, insults, mocking. In verses 7-8 we read, “All who see me make fun of me… ‘He committed himself to the Lord, so let God rescue him.'” The gospels echo these last words, spoken by the religious leaders who orchestrated Jesus’ crucifixion. In verses 9-11 there is a slight reprieve to the difficult emotions. David recalls a life committed to God. He asks for God’s presence. In the garden there are moments of intimate prayer between Jesus and God. Reflecting his own commitment and obedience, Jesus says, “Not my will…”

On the cross, as it was in the Psalm for David, it must’ve felt like everyone was against Jesus. He must’ve felt surrounded. Jesus’ life was poured out like water for us. The soldiers cast lots for Jesus’ clothes. Jesus was pierced in the hands and feet. All for us. All for us. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, you truly hold it all in your hands. In these words that you inspired in David we see Christ’s story, played out a thousand years later. Your plan is grand. Yet you also hold each of us in your hands. You created us in the womb, designed to bear that image to the world. You walk with us daily. You are our God. Thank you. Amen.


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Redeem, Restore, Rescue

Readings: Psalm 137:1-3 and 8, Zechariah 9:9

Zechariah 9:9 – “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion. Sing aloud, Daughter Jerusalem. Look, your king will come to you. He is righteous and victorious. He is humble and riding on an ass.”

The people of God had already experienced much trauma leading up to their exile in Babylon. The nation had split into Israel and Judah. Both parts experienced good and bad kings – much more of the latter. Israel, and later Judah were conquered and hauled into exile. It is in this foreign land, living under a pagan oppressor, that Israel’s longing for a Messiah really begins to take shape.

Psalm 137 is a song of lament. In the first few verses the writer expresses the people’s collective sadness. Their captors are forcing them to sing songs of joy. These songs are intended to be sung as they ascend to the temple, preparing themselves to worship God. They were forced to sing these songs out of place, to a God whose home – the temple – was destroyed. It is no wonder that they long for destroyer Babylon to be paid back by the one who will come to redeem and restore Israel.

This longing for a rescuer, for a Messiah, is expressed in Zechariah 9:9. These words will be brought to life by a king riding into Jerusalem on a donkey’s colt. Psalms will be waving and shouts of “Hosanna!” will fill the air. It’s just the Romans who now oppress, who now need overthrown. This is the king that Israel still longs for. It is just not the kind of king that Jesus will prove himself to be. His rescue, redemption, and restoration is not military but personal and spiritual.

Prayer: Lord God, for many the longing for a Messiah remains very real. Today people long to be redeemed and rescued – from an abusive relationship, from addiction, from financial hardship, from illness, from oppression, from injustice… These real struggles weigh upon their hearts, upon our hearts. Lord Jesus, please ride into our hearts, enter through those gates, bringing a peace to the battles, a calm to the chaos, a strength to the weakness, a wholeness to the brokenness. Rescue, redeem, and restore. Amen.


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Sure and Strong

Reading: Psalm 42:1-8

Psalm 42:8 – “By day the Lord commands his faithful love; by night his song is with me.”

Photo credit: Pablo Heimplatz

Psalm 42 is a song of lament. It is attributed to the Korahites, the clan from the tribe of Levi assigned to lead temple worship. As the song begins, the psalmist expresses a deep thirst for God. The thirst is so deep it has become a craving. A thirst this deep is expressed only here and one place in Joel. As tears have become his or her only food, there is a great longing to be in God’s presence once again.

In verses 4-6 there is a hope that flickers as the psalmist recalls times in God’s presence. Even as they “bare my soul” the writer recalls being in God’s temple, worshipping with joy and thanksgiving at one of the great festivals. Counting on experiencing this again, the psalmist declares, “Hope in God!… my saving presence.” In our moments of feeling separated from God may we too recall times when God was a sure and strong presence in our lives.

Verse 7 is an interesting verse. How we read it depends on perspective. If we read with the first few words of verse 6 then it feels Noah-like, as he sank into the depths of the sea. However, if we read it with the rest of verse 6 and with verse 8 then it feels like it is God’s faithful love washing over the psalmist, wave after wave. I choose the second reading. It then leads to the declaration: “By day the Lord commands his faithful love; by night his song is with me.” God is present even in the hard and difficult of life. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the reminder of your constant presence in our lives. In the moments when we feel like the psalmist – down, alone, anxious – bring to our minds those other moments, times when your presence and love were sure and strong in our lives. Lift our spirits up into your power, fill our hearts with your song. Amen.


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Hear Well

Reading: 2nd Peter 1-2

2nd Peter 1:4 – “He has given us his precious and wonderful promises, that you may share the divine nature and escape from the world’s immortality that sinful craving produces.”

2nd Peter continues the call to live the Christian life and it also addresses the false teachers that are beginning to negatively impact the believers. In chapter 1 Peter reiterates the fact that the Lord has given all the need, writing, “He has given us his precious and wonderful promises, that you may share the divine nature and escape from the world’s immortality that sinful craving produces.” Therefore, Peter implores them to add “moral excellence… knowledge… self-control… endurance… godliness… affection for others… love” to their faith. Growing in these traits will keep them from becoming “inactive and unfruitful.”

Peter promises to keep reminding them of these things while he’s yet alive. He then shifts to personal witness and prophetic testimony to assure their faith. Peter witnessed the transfiguration and heard God’s voice, bringing Jesus glory and honor. The prophets – led by God’s Holy Spirit – offer a “most reliable” word. Peter instructs the believers that they will “do well” to pay attention to these two things.

Chapter 2 addresses the false prophets (or teachers) that have come into the faith communities. They offer “destructive opinions” and they deny Christ. They are drawing many believers away with their “unrestrained immortality.” Peter pauses to remind his readers about the disobedient angels, the flood, and Sodom and Gomorrah. He also reminds them of Lot – the godly man rescued by God. Peter then returns to these “reckless and brash people” who are like “irrational animals.” These false teachers are ever on the lookout for opportunities to sin. They promise freedom but make others “slaves of immortality.” As chapter 2 closes Peter laments the faithful who’ve turned away. He says it’d be better if they never knew “the way of righteousness.” May we too hear well the warning in these words.

Prayer: Lord God, there is no shortage of false teachers or seductive temptations in our world today. They can still quickly lead to destruction. Remind us again and again of your promises. Surround us with your holy presence. Strengthen and encourage our walk through the witness of your word. Keep our feet on the path that leads to your everlasting kingdom. Amen.


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Trusting, Confessing

Reading: Romans 8:18-10:21

Romans 10:10 – “Trusting with the heart leads to righteousness, and confessing with the mouth leads to salvation.”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

As we continue in Romans 8 today we find great hope. First Paul reminds us that this present suffering is nothing compared to the coming glory. With hope we await being “set free” as we who have the Spirit become the “first crop.” Today these words remind me of the rapture imagery found in Revelation.

Paul then speaks of the Spirit’s role in our lives. The Spirit intercedes for us, praying for us, “consistent with God’s will.” Accordingly, God works all things – us included – towards the good. God is good. To work this process out, we are increasingly conformed to Christ’s image. In this process we become less and less like the world. Therefore nothing worldly – trouble, harassment, famine… death, rulers… – nothing can separate us from God’s love that we find in and through Jesus. Hallelujah!

The apostle shifts gears in chapter 9. Paul laments Israel’s rejection of Christ. He would give up his salvation to see Israel turn to Christ. Yet Paul also recognizes that this is God’s plan unfolding, not his. This is a good reminder to us. It is God who shows mercy and compassion to whom God chooses. This is why it is the Gentiles who came to faith that leads to righteousness. The Jews instead sought to “establish their own righteousness.” But keeping all of the Law proved impossible. The righteousness that leads to salvation comes only through faith. Paul summarizes in 10:10 – “Trusting with the heart leads to righteousness, and confessing with the mouth leads to salvation.” May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, faith, trust, hope, obedience, surrender – such simple concepts in many ways. In an ideal world, so easy. Yet our world is not easy or ideal. Many things can challenge or assault our faith – real things like death, harassment, famine… Lord, may your Spirit intercede for us always and may it walk with us, strengthening and encouraging us in our walk of faith. As ones who are conformed to your Son, and therefore to you, use us as love and mercy and compassion in your world. Amen.


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Building Blocks

Reading: Luke 19

Luke 19:37 – “The whole throng of his disciples began rejoicing. They praised God with a loud voice.”

Photo credit: Markus Spiske

“Zacchaues intercepts Jesus” is how my Bible’s notes describe this first encounter in our reading. Jesus sees him in the tree and invites himself to Zacchaues’ house for dinner. Perhaps in response to the crowd’s grumbling, Zacchaues announces that he will give half his wealth to the poor and will repay four times over anyone he’s cheated. He’ll do this that very day. The notes suggest that Zacchaues is defending himself by presenting his customary practices of generosity.

This story is followed by one about faithful service. Two servants put the master’s wealth to good use. Instead of working hard, another hides what he was given to use. His wealth is taken and given to the one with much. Jesus continues on to Jerusalem.

Jesus enters the city on a colt, his disciples loudly rejoicing and praising Jesus and the peace that he offers. This parade is a counter display to Herod’s annual Passover parade, when he enters the city on a mighty warhorse with an entourage of soldiers. Jesus enters humbly, from the opposite direction, demonstrating the kingship and peace of God. The Pharisees worry about this challenge to Roman authority. Jesus responds that if the crowd were silent, “the stones would cry out.”

Jesus then laments that these stones will be torn apart. Because the Jews refuse his kingdom of peace, they will revolt, only to be completely crushed. Jesus weeps over this. He proceeds to the temple, where he chases out those turning a huge profit instead of meeting the people’s needs. The religious leaders seek a way to kill Jesus while the people are enthralled with his daily teaching in the temple. What a contrast in these two groups.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the examples today of generosity and hard work. Both are building blocks of your kingdom. Lead us to use the blessings you’ve given us to build well. Remind us daily of your peace as we build. Remind us daily of who we serve. Amen.