Growing in Lament

By

During a time of discouragement, a dear sister gifted me, "Dark Clouds Deep Mercy, Discovering the Grace of Lament" by Mark Vroegop. As our family enters a season of growing in lament, we would like to share a few encouragements with you as we tread this broken world together: "...turn, complain, ask, and trust" (29). "...every lament is a prayer. A statement of faith...the honest cry of a hurting heart wrestling with the paradox of pain and the promise of God's goodness...how you live between a hard life and God's promises" (26, 84).

When suffering comes, my desire is for it to pass, as quickly as possible, but this, "...can circumvent the opportunity afforded in lament - to give a person permission to wrestle with sorrow instead of rushing to end it. Lament provides a place for both feelings and truth" (19, 165)." We do not ignore or pretend our pain away; we must learn to see through and respond to it properly. Acknowledge our sorrows and bring them to the Lord: "...turn our gaze from the rubble of life to the Redeemer of every hurt...moving us toward him" (29, 54). Is the nearness of God sufficient in your sorrow? It is here where we can grow, as we reorient to Him. Towards the end of the book, the writer shares his own experience of going from asking God "why" in the midst of hardship to "resting in who God is" (189). This is where I want to rest.

The second and third phase of a lament is a complaint which paves the way for asking. Believers, "...complain on the basis of our belief in who God is and what he can do...God is good, but life is hard. Enter complaint" (44). In the throne room of grace, we remember the Lord is good, and prayer is our vehicle. At the heart of lament is faith, yet, there is tension. This primes the pump to make bold supplications, "...when pain and uncertainty hang in the air you breathe...the only hope you have: God's grace...a request for God to intervene based on his love and promises. It is a call for God to act" (142-143). May we continue requesting from the only one who is able and willing to meet our deepest needs (proven at Calvary).

After being honest with our feelings, boldly declaring truth and asking God to respond, we trust. We believe that He will or is answering in the way that is best. We rest. We watch. We wait. We take confidence amidst the brokenness knowing, 'the Lord is conforming us and working all together for our good, not even withholding His own Son' (Romans 8:28-32). This is a path to worship and lean on our compassionate Father who is also the one true King. I am is seated on the throne, with His eye and right hand bringing all things to their perfect time and completion or end.

Our prayer is that we would grow in seeing the grace of drawing near to and knowing God, lamenting, again and again, until all is made right, in the larger redemptive story. A change of circumstance is not necessarily the answer, but a restful, believing heart. May we look to the cross and believe the one who can bring beauty from ashes. We are forgiven, liberated and alive in Christ! Change our hearts oh God, for you alone can make a heart of stone flesh, satisfied in you alone - we are desperate, knowing there is no other. Hasten the day you answer. "Awake! Why are you sleeping, O Lord?...Why do you forget our affliction and oppression?" (Psalm 44:23-24).

Husband & I Day 1 of "Marriage Retreat" (in front of private guesthouse)

Praise Reports:

  1. Husband and I attended a parenting conference at Foothill Bible Church - it was very practical, focusing on the heart; we were able to have some great fellowship over two meals with a newlywed couple and join them as they visited FBC, which is by their new home;
  2. Husband and I attended a marriage retreat - it was very intimate and full of grace and truth; the Lord graciously provided a private guesthouse to allow time to relax and minimize distraction;
  3. Many family members were able to gather on a Saturday, and the grandkids shared memories about grandpa Jose Valadez; hospice has been approved and provided by insurance;
  4. I had the blessing of some much needed one on one time with my mom, sister and a sister in Christ;
  5. Jacob had quite a few band concerts; and
  6. Zachary has submitted a few college applications and continues asking great questions and sharing his heart after worship service or bible studies.

Husband with "Apa" (Jose Valadez) 10/11/22

Prayer Requests (the Lord's will in all):

  1. Husband is learning how to diagram, prepare a devo and preach in class on Monday evenings;
  2. He and I (/or another male pastor/leader from our church) have been invited to attend ITA's annual conference in Rome, January 2023; 
  3. Wisdom, endurance & to walk in the Spirit, as my Husband and family do our best to serve and keep "Apa" comfortable (cancer is terminal, stage 4 and non-operative; we rejoice in his faith in Jesus);
  4. Zachary will be making some important life decisions in the next year; and
  5. Hacob & Zachary to bear consistent/genuine fruit of salvation.

The boys & I at Jacob's band concert 10/29/22


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Obedience in All Seasons: A Tale of Two Laborers

By
Image
2019 was not a path I would have chosen for myself , if given the choice. As Rick and I began our quest knocking, seeking and asking God for His leading and blessing with missions in April, we had no idea what or who to expect. “Incidentally,” the day of our first conference call vetting a mission’s agency in May, we bumped into a very wise pastor-friend. He advised us, ‘Make sure you know their doctrine, statement of faith and stance on controversial issues like marriage and abortion.’ Upon talking to the rep, it was very clear, not all mission's agencies are created equal . We scratched them off the list, fast. Our next call was with a family from Italy. Night and day – they were very friendly, lively and sound. They also indicated the team’s need is long-termers. Many come and go, but not many come and stay. In June , we began hosting a weekly home bible study and potluck on Saturdays with 4 couples. We learned so much about the differences between hosting and hosp...
Read more

Sticking to the Plan

By
Image
Good day Beloved! Husband and I would like to share a bit about how our last week has gone and give God all the glory (video recap here ). As you know, we set out for Rome on Sunday, January 9 to attend a conference and meet a missions team. We were compliant with travel regulations and documents but were detained in Zurich by customs. We did all we could practically to get through but were sent back to L.A. on Tuesday, January 11. It is with sadness we share this news, coupled with hope, encouragement and greater faith. This week, we would like to highlight three ways the Holy Spirit has been moving in strangers, the church and us . On Our Way to L.A.X. L.A.X. Airport Line for Document Check & Boarding Passes Zurich Airport, On Our Way to Customs & Connecting Flight Once the Chief of Police said, 'It's not going to happen folks,' referring to us passing through to Rome, tears began to pour out, and I began to sob, processing the reality that our trip would not go a...
Read more

Going Back to Rome with Good News

By
Image
"But the angel said to them [shepherds], 'Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people" ( Luke 2:10, NASB ). Beloved, when you think of "great joy," what comes to mind? My prayer is that your great joy is in Christ alone . This advent season, Husband and I rejoice as we reflect back and look forward to visiting Rome on January 9-23, with the privilege of sharing this precious gift with others in Italy. We need your faithful prayers more than ever, as this could potentially be the location where God is calling us to serve long-term (to be confirmed). As such, this month we will share on: 1) past events, 2) our upcoming trip, 3) the need in Italy and 4) ways we are at looking to the Lord for practical provision (for the formal approved support letter, click here ). 1) past events: when Rick and I began courting in May 2014, there were no discussions or desires to be missionaries - where we are today is a testame...
Read more