Lamenting: Is it Ok?

On this infertile journey I have often sobbed and cried out to God. Why? Why me? Why this? Why not me? I have mourned babies that I never got to hold in my womb much less my arms. I have cried tears of joy, anticipation, fear, and pain. At times I would wonder if it was “right” to cry out to God like that. Do you find yourself saying, “Self, it is time to buck up and get over this?” Perhaps you have even said, “Self, I know there are others suffering so much more. Let it go.” Only to have the longing and the pain return? Well, in case you didn’t remember – because I clearly at those dark times didn’t – there is a whole book of the Bible dedicated to crying out to God in a desperate situation. It is called Lamentations. Yes a WHOLE book of the Bible dedicated to the groanings of people in a dark place.

What is amazing to me is that despite the difficult circumstances, the author of this book offers hope. Here is what he says: “I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.’ The LORD is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.” Lamentations 3:19-26

What an amazing testimony of faith during a dark trial. In the next few posts, I will break these verses apart. However for this post, I want you to know that even on this dark difficult road, you do have hope if you put your hope in God.

Father God, help us to hope in You regardless of the muck around us. Help us as we grieve to cling to You who love us, You who never fail us, You who are our portion in this life. Thank You for always being there. Help us to cling to You and please as You have promised uphold us. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.