I wonder how to lament as a church. I keep seeing us want to move forward, but then hurt arises. Pain is remembered. Some people don’t want to engage, some left for other churches. And we’re just stuck in this hurt that we try to forget.
I can see the devil’s work at play. He schemes division in families, in marriages, in communities, in churches. He hates the church. And I hate that we fall prey to his plans, but we do. Harsh things are said. Fights ensue. Anger and resentment dig deep and harden a part of our heart.
We don’t want to admit it, but pain can cloud our vision. Oh God, give us eyes to see. Give us your spiritual wisdom and your vision to defend from the enemy’s attacks! Like St. Paul said, May we…
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
Ephesians 6:11-12
But we didn’t put on the full armor. The damage has been done. Now we’re on to lamenting. To lament means to passionately express grief or sorrow.
This past month I was horrified reading the book of Jeremiah, and the destruction of the people of Israel. God allowed terrible things to happen to His people who had turned far far far from Him. God warned and pleaded with His people through the prophet Jeremiah to repent of their sins. The book of Lamentations contains Jeremiah’s prayers of deep grief and sorrow to God of all that was happening.
I wonder, as I think of the sorrows and ugliness our church experienced the last many years…we’ve lost incredible brothers and sisters with unique perspectives, sacred stories, amazing talents…friends whom we no longer seek or worship God with. Destruction leans into hopelessness. I am sad for what we could have gained together that has been lost.
I don’t blame them for leaving. A church should be a people that invites God to teach us; to restore us; to renew us; to point our hearts and minds towards Him. Trust was broken. Sometimes a fresh start is needed to reconnect with God. It’s been ugly, and not how Jesus intended His children to live.
If you are someone who has been hurt by the church, within the church…I am sorry. I want you to know that I see you and I have hope for both of our healing. We truly are better together. Stronger together.
How do we heal as brothers and sisters in Christ? How do we invite the Holy Spirit in to rub His healing balm upon the wounds that just can’t close up?
Lord, you are the creator of all the personalities and perspectives, and you are the way for us to forgive and unite. Align our hearts with yours. We need your help. Not for the sake of an institution, but for the sake of healing very real wounds. I’m pray for healing of your children.
I lament what has been lost. I long for restoration and flourishing among all Christians. Could we once again be so enlightened by the Holy Spirit as they were in the book of Acts?
God, hear my cry, see my misery, my heartache. I ask you to restore the years the locusts ate…bring beauty from ashes. I echo Jeremiah’s pleas:
“Cry aloud before the Lord, O walls of beautiful Jerusalem! Let your tears flow like a river day and night. Give yourselves no rest; give your eyes no relief.
Rise during the night and cry out. Pour out your hearts like water to the Lord. Lift up your hands to him in prayer, pleading for your children, for in every street they are faint with hunger.”
Lamentations 2:18-19
“I cry out, “My splendor is gone! Everything I had hoped for from the Lord is lost!”
The thought of my suffering and homelessness is bitter beyond words. I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this:
The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in Him!”
Lamentations 3:18-24
It’s necessary to lament. God is faithful and will carry us through, so we can dream with Him again.
My Heart, My Home 