Sorrow: Lamentations: Prayers and Poetry

                 Sorrow 

                Soul light is gone

                prophets cannot see

                vision to guide

                all removed.

                Sorrow engulfs

                tears, stand in

                despair as children

                faint from lack of

                nourishment.

                Spent with weeping

                she wanders over

                broken walls

                unprotected.

Psalm 37:7: "Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret over those who prosper in their way, over those who carry out evil devices."

Time: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

                                               Time

                                                To stay or go

                                                a decision

                                                too hard to make

                                                must be from

                                                the Lord’s perspective

                                                only He can gauge

                                                time from earth

                                                to heaven.

Psalm 18:28, “For Thou dost light my lamp; The Lord my God illumines my darkness.”

Reflection: Sorrow: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1. In what ways does our grief for loved ones in their death keep us from the peace that they are now whole again?

2. How can we measure each day as a gift for ourselves and for those around us?

3. What hope and truth can carry us through the grief and sorrow?

Share: What word, or verse, or memory, gave you courage to ease the pain?

Sorrow: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Philippians 2: 26-27, “for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.”

Sorrow

We are reminded that the Lord’s mercy extends not only to each of us personally, but also to those near us. In this circumstance it seems that Epaphroditus’ healing was for those around him—because if he had died he would have been in heaven and whole.

Could that also mean that when we are given extra life—extra time—that there is a purpose or a work we are still included to do. Even if our limitations have become restrictive?

Whether in health or not, we still need the Lord’s guidance into understanding His call and to follow with confidence.

Lord, only You know our need for clarity. It is so difficult to focus on anything when each day shifts physically and emotionally, and spiritually. Especially in times of worry and despair. Please guide our steps.

Your thoughts,

Bitter Weeping: Grace in the Wilderness: Prayers and Poetry

Bitter Weeping

Bitter weeping

lament poured out

must recognize

crashing loss

bear the pain

let heartache shout

melt to prepare

comfort’s restoration

begin to mend

light hope’s candle

move toward faith

continuous journey

bitter weeping

linked in love

marking ongoing cost through

Christ’s mercy.

Romans 8:15, “For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, ‘Abba! Father!’”

Reflection: Sorrow: Grace in the Wilderness: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection:

1.     For whom are you weeping? Why do you not have comfort?

2.     In what ways are personal fears blocking you from trusting in God’s hope?

3.     How has the Lord carried you through deep sorrow before? Can you return to that place of comfort?

Sorrow: Grace in the Wilderness: Prayers and Poetry

Jeremiah 31:15, “Thus says the Lord, ‘A voice is heard in Ramah, Lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children; She refuses to be comforted for her children; Because they are no more.’”

A voice is heard.

Jesus wept over Lazarus. He wept in sorrow over Jerusalem. He wept in the Garden of Gethesmane. Even in the hope He prepared for.

Lamentation. Loss. Need to be acknowledged, including the bitterness, in order to mourn in faith. To shout and scream and cry and stagger at death and disease and brokenness. Not bury.

“A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance. A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.” Ecclesiastes 3:4-5 (NASB)

If we cannot weep out our grief we open the door to anger and deceit and condemnation and unforgiveness that causes even more destruction.

Lord, please show us how to mourn in prayer and trust. Show us how to hope through the sorrow of our weeping into Your healing grace.

Your thoughts,