Embracing Lament: Finding Hope in Brokenness

When you go to emergency at the hospital, they ask you to rate your pain out of 10. It's a subjective question. Can you measure pain? Pain, spiritual, physical, or emotional pain can lie deep in the pit of our stomachs. What do you do with your pain? What do you do with the deep, soul-crushing grief when the foundations of your life feel like they've crumbled? [00:48:35]

We feel stripped and unprotected and vulnerable. In a world filled with loss and injustice and brokenness, these moments are inevitable. Yet we often don't know how to respond. Some of us numb the pain with distractions, entertainment, work or even substances. Others retreat into cynicism or despair. [00:49:31]

Our brother Max Boyes, when he spoke to the 10am service recently, showed how the leaves of life prepare the grounds for a heavenly home. We were so deeply encouraged by the show, sharing and then we went out to the patio just out here to pray after the service. And why did we choose there? It's a beautiful view, is it not? [00:50:09]

But of course, Max loved the sea and surfing. So it felt the right place as the church gathered around to pray together. But Max showed us that in the autumn season, as the leaves fall, they actually soften the ground in preparation for an eternal life in this heavenly home. Thanks for living out Psalm 23 before us. [00:51:06]

The poet begins with a cry of astonishment and grief. Lamentations 1 verse 1 reads, How deserted lies the city, once so full of people. How like a widow is she, who once was great among the nations. She who was queen among the provinces has now become a slave. The city of Jerusalem. Interesting to look at this city at this time, isn't it? [00:52:26]

The weight of brokenness echoes the cry of David as we look at Psalm 22 in just verse 1. Listen to these words for us on this day. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me? So far from my cries of anguish. Both passages capture the anguish of feeling abandoned. The pain of witnessing destruction and the longing for restoration. [00:53:49]

Rebellion against God always leads to loss. When we turn away from the one who gives life, the result is death. Not just physically, but emotionally, relationally and spiritually. But here's the key. Instead of ignoring the pain or blaming others. Lamentation teaches us to confront it. The poet doesn't sugarcoat the devastation. He names it. He feels it. He pours it out before God. [00:54:48]

The reality of judgment. Looking now at Lamentations chapter 1 verses 12 to 22. And also chapter 1 verses 12 to 22. Chapter 2 verses 1 to 9 are the verses you can look at as I share with us. As the lament continues, the poet turns his attention to the cause of Jerusalem's suffering. He doesn't shy away from naming the uncomfortable truth. [00:56:08]

God takes how we live seriously. His holiness depends on justice. Yet in our modern context, we often struggle with the concept of God's judgment. We know Him to be loving and merciful. But His love and holiness cannot ignore our rebellion. To love deeply is to be fiercely opposed to God. To love with all your heart is to be fiercely opposed to anything that destroys the beloved. [00:56:57]

God's judgment may feel harsh, but it's also a form of grace. Let me say that again. God's judgment may feel harsh, but it's also a form of grace. It's a wake-up call that focuses us to confront the destructive nature of our human ways. At the same time, this passage shows us something profound. God is not an unfeeling judge. [00:58:08]

So while chapters 1 and 2 are heavy with grief and judgment, there is a subtle yet profound thread of hope. Woven through the lament. The poet cries out to God, acknowledging His sovereignty even in the midst of suffering. And we find these words of Lamentations chapter 2 verses 19. Arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin. Pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. [01:00:03]

When we face the brokenness of this world, we don't grieve as though without hope. We lament, yes, but we lament to the God who has already secured our redemption through Christ. That empty cross, like the empty autumn branches, God uses to soften our hearts. Lamentations invites us to cry out honest and raw prayers. [01:02:01]