In Habakkuk, the prophet wails, "How long shall I cry for help, Lord, and you will not listen?" He wonders why a good God would allow such violence and trouble in the world. And that's the way I feel sometimes too--especially when I turn on the news and hear of more death and destruction, or feel my own pain and aches from a body that is slowly headed for the ground (wow--that's a dark thought!).
The psalm's lament is more subtle, and therefore is more like us, perhaps. ""Don't get upset over the prosperous who made their fortunes with evil." Because they'll get theirs in the end! It may be comforting to think that way.
So lament is an important piece of our liturgical vocabulary. Still in a fog about the nature of lament.? My colleague from Nashua likens laments to old time country music--the kind that's so sad it makes you bawl even when you're feeling good. It is cathartic, and it is theologically sound. We should offer up our sadness to God, just as easily as our praise.
So the next time life has got you down--lament to the Lord--God hears those mournful cries. And reacts to them.
But that's tomorrow's post....
Agape,
Pastor Tom
No comments:
Post a Comment