A Letter from our pastor

How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?

Psalm 13:1
It so easy to be confused, scared and distraught these days. In the matter of a few short
weeks a pandemic has turned our routines up-side-down.

Our reactions are varied: rebellion; legalism; blame. You know how it goes.
For centuries, God’s people have found and used another way. It’s called lament.
There’s a whole book in the Bible titled Lamentations. At least a third of the Psalms are
laments. Lament is part of discipleship.

But what is the difference between lament and our basic self-centered bellyaching or a
descent into despair? Diana Gruver describes Godly lament like this:

1. Tell God what is wrong.
2. Tell God what you want done.

3. Express trust in God based on His character and past action even if you can’t yet see the outcome.

Worldly lament might use the first two but usually leaves God out of the equation. Godly
or sanctified lament always involves the last attribute.

Now, let’s try it considering your present situation. Open your Bible to Psalm 13. The
first two verses tell God what is wrong. How long will you hide your face from me? The
next two verses petition God for some action. Look on me Lord and answer. Then the
final verses boldly state the psalmist’s commitment to God. But I trust in your unfailing
love.

Write your own prayer of lament using Psalm 13 as a guide. Put your pencil to paper or
your fingers to the keyboard. Faithfully lament and always conclude with a list of what
God has faithfully provided.

Don’t let that list simply include milk and eggs and paper towels. Thank God for the life
of Jesus where we find the ultimate example of how to live and think. Thank God for the
death of Jesus through which we are provided the forgiveness of sins and an example
of unconditional love. Thank God for the resurrection of Jesus in which death has been
conquered.

Now, go wash your hands and face. Wear that mask when you go out. Love your
neighbor as yourself. Be not afraid.
​
Have a happy lament,
Pastor Jim