Finding Hope and Action Amidst Lament and Chaos

Summary

### Summary

Today, we gathered to worship and reflect on the many blessings in our lives, even amidst the chaos and pain that often surrounds us. We began by sharing our gratitude with one another, recognizing the small moments of joy and connection that sustain us. We welcomed new members into our community, affirming their unique contributions and the importance of their presence. This act of inclusion and affirmation is central to our identity as an open and affirming congregation.

However, our time together also required us to confront the harsh realities of our world. The recent attempted assassination of former President Trump has left many of us feeling disheartened, angry, and confused. This tragic event, along with other acts of violence and division, compels us to ask, "How long, Lord?" We turned to Psalm 13, a lament that gives voice to our anguish and frustration, yet also reaffirms our trust in God's faithful love.

Lament is a vital part of our spiritual practice, allowing us to be honest with God about our pain and to seek divine intervention. But it also calls us to action. We are reminded that our prayers for justice and peace are an invitation to become active participants in God's work. Here at Royal Oak First, we commit to being a community that advocates for nonviolence, supports sensible gun laws, and works tirelessly for social justice.

In the face of overwhelming challenges, we draw strength from our faith and from one another. We are inspired by the words of Edward Everett Hale: "I am only one, but I am still one. I cannot do everything, but I can still do something." Together, we will continue to sing songs of hope, to welcome the stranger, and to be a witness to God's inclusive love in the world.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Power of Small Moments: In the midst of life's chaos, small moments of connection and joy are profoundly significant. These moments remind us of the blessings we often overlook and help us stay grounded in gratitude. They are the threads that weave our community together, offering us strength and comfort. [12:43]

2. The Importance of Lament: Lament is a crucial aspect of our spiritual life, allowing us to express our deepest sorrows and frustrations to God. It is a form of prayer that acknowledges the brokenness of our world and our need for divine intervention. Lament also empowers us to be honest and vulnerable in our worship, creating space for healing and transformation. [52:29]

3. Active Faith: Our prayers for justice and peace are not just petitions to God but calls to action for ourselves. We are invited to become the answers to our own prayers, working alongside God to bring about change. This partnership with the divine challenges us to live out our faith through tangible acts of love and justice. [55:54]

4. Community and Inclusion: Welcoming new members into our community is a powerful affirmation of their unique worth and the value they bring. It reflects our commitment to being an open and affirming congregation, where everyone is embraced regardless of their background or beliefs. This inclusivity is a testament to the inclusive love of God. [23:48]

5. Hope Amidst Despair: Even in the face of overwhelming challenges, we are called to hold onto hope. The lament psalms teach us that it is possible to be both frustrated with God and still trust in God's goodness. This duality is a profound expression of faith, reminding us that God's love and faithfulness endure, even in our darkest moments. [57:50]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[12:01] - Sharing Blessings
[12:43] - Small Moments of Joy
[13:29] - Unique Worth of Each Person
[14:10] - Ritual of Friendship
[14:44] - Online Worship Welcome
[22:27] - Welcoming New Members
[23:48] - Commitment to Community
[26:50] - Support Through Presence and Prayer
[28:05] - Support Through Gifts and Service
[28:59] - Laying on of Hands
[30:01] - Prayer for New Members
[31:18] - Addressing Current Events
[32:43] - Honest Prayer and Lament
[34:20] - Embracing Silence
[37:01] - The Lord's Prayer
[43:51] - Song of Lament
[45:00] - Psalm 13 Reading
[46:40] - Crying Out to God
[48:13] - Reflecting on Violence
[49:34] - How Long, Lord?
[50:09] - The Role of Lament
[52:29] - Permission to Grieve
[53:55] - Call to Action
[55:54] - Becoming the Answer to Prayer
[57:50] - Trusting in God's Love
[59:36] - Community of Goodwill
[01:02:33] - Continuing the Mission
[01:08:48] - Closing Prayer and Sending Forth

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 13: "How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, and my enemy will say, 'I have overcome him,' and my foes will rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me."

#### Observation Questions
1. What emotions and questions does the psalmist express in Psalm 13?
2. How does the psalmist transition from lament to trust in Psalm 13?
3. According to the sermon, what are some small moments of joy that can help us stay grounded in gratitude? [12:43]
4. What actions does the pastor suggest we take as a response to our prayers for justice and peace? [55:54]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is lament an important part of our spiritual practice, according to the sermon? [52:29]
2. How does the act of welcoming new members into the community reflect the inclusive love of God? [23:48]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our prayers for justice and peace are also calls to action? [55:54]
4. How does the psalmist's expression of trust in God's faithful love, despite his anguish, serve as a model for our own faith during difficult times? [57:50]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent small moment of joy in your life. How did it help you stay grounded in gratitude amidst chaos? [12:43]
2. How can you incorporate the practice of lament into your daily spiritual life? What might that look like for you personally? [52:29]
3. Think about a time when you felt called to take action in response to a prayer. What steps did you take, and what was the outcome? [55:54]
4. How can you actively contribute to making your church community more inclusive and welcoming to new members? [23:48]
5. In what ways can you hold onto hope and trust in God's goodness, even when facing overwhelming challenges? [57:50]
6. Identify a specific issue of social justice that you feel passionate about. What tangible actions can you take to address this issue in your community? [55:54]
7. How can you support sensible gun laws and advocate for nonviolence in your local area? What resources or groups can you connect with to further this cause? [55:54]

This guide is designed to help your small group engage deeply with the themes of the sermon, fostering both personal reflection and communal action.

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Small Moments
In the midst of life's chaos, small moments of connection and joy are profoundly significant. These moments remind us of the blessings we often overlook and help us stay grounded in gratitude. They are the threads that weave our community together, offering us strength and comfort. By recognizing and cherishing these small moments, we can cultivate a spirit of thankfulness that sustains us through difficult times. These moments are not just fleeting instances of happiness but are essential to our spiritual well-being and communal life. [12:43]

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a small moment of joy or connection you experienced recently. How can you express gratitude for this moment today?

Day 2: The Importance of Lament
Lament is a crucial aspect of our spiritual life, allowing us to express our deepest sorrows and frustrations to God. It is a form of prayer that acknowledges the brokenness of our world and our need for divine intervention. Lament also empowers us to be honest and vulnerable in our worship, creating space for healing and transformation. By embracing lament, we give ourselves permission to grieve and to seek God's presence in our pain. This practice helps us to process our emotions and to find hope amidst despair. [52:29]

"Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord! O Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy!" (Psalm 130:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel deep sorrow or frustration? Can you take a moment to lament and bring this before God in prayer today?

Day 3: Active Faith
Our prayers for justice and peace are not just petitions to God but calls to action for ourselves. We are invited to become the answers to our own prayers, working alongside God to bring about change. This partnership with the divine challenges us to live out our faith through tangible acts of love and justice. By committing to active faith, we become co-laborers with God, making a difference in our communities and the world. This active participation in God's work is a powerful expression of our trust and obedience. [55:54]

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (James 1:22, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific action you can take today to work towards justice and peace in your community?

Day 4: Community and Inclusion
Welcoming new members into our community is a powerful affirmation of their unique worth and the value they bring. It reflects our commitment to being an open and affirming congregation, where everyone is embraced regardless of their background or beliefs. This inclusivity is a testament to the inclusive love of God. By fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment, we create a space where everyone can experience belonging and acceptance. This act of inclusion strengthens our community and reflects the heart of God's love for all people. [23:48]

"Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God." (Romans 15:7, ESV)

Reflection: How can you make someone feel welcomed and valued in your community today?

Day 5: Hope Amidst Despair
Even in the face of overwhelming challenges, we are called to hold onto hope. The lament psalms teach us that it is possible to be both frustrated with God and still trust in God's goodness. This duality is a profound expression of faith, reminding us that God's love and faithfulness endure, even in our darkest moments. By holding onto hope, we affirm our belief in God's ultimate plan and purpose, even when we cannot see it. This hope sustains us and gives us the strength to persevere through difficult times. [57:50]

"Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God." (Psalm 42:11, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to hold onto hope today? How can you remind yourself of God's faithfulness in this situation?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "You're an unrepeatable miracle. There's never been one of you before. There'll never be another one of you after. And that's true of each and every one of us here today. So we're grateful for that. You are, you are the unrepeatable miracle of God." [13:29] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "We say it every Sunday and we mean it. We're an open and affirming congregation that welcomes all people on their, on their life's journey. So it doesn't matter where you've been or what you've been through, who you love, who loves you, the beliefs you carry, the doubts you struggle with. We are here. We're here to walk alongside you in the midst of life's journey." [13:29] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "This is the day that the Lord has made. You are rejoicing and be glad in it, right? He's looking good. He's looking good. So, um, this is what's called our ritual of friendship. This is just a simple opportunity to let us know that you're with us in worship this morning." [14:10] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "We exist to just kind of help people on their journey. So if you're at a spot and say, hey, I'd like to know more about what it means to connect with this place, make sure you reach out and let us know." [30:01] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Let peace begin with me. Let this be the moment now. God, here's the deal. Right? When it's all falling apart and we scream out how long, we still turn back to you. To a plan and a trust that something bigger can still be at work and something better." [01:02:33] (81 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "The lament is important. In a world that encourages us to put on a brave face and suppress our pain, the lament Psalms offer us a powerful reminder that it's okay to grieve, to question, and to vent. To vent to God and to vent in worship. To vent in worship, not about worship." [53:55] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Any call for God to intervene on our behalf, any call to God to intervene, to act on behalf of the cause of justice, is an invitation to us, the people of God, to become the very answer to the prayer that we've just offered." [55:54] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "I want to be like the psalmist in Psalm 13 today, who after crying out, how long, Lord? The confidence. Confidently turns back to the same Lord. He has expressed us frustration and disappointment in and says, but I have trusted in you. I have trusted in your faithful love. My heart will rejoice in your salvation. Yes, I will sing to the Lord because he has been good to me." [57:50] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "So yeah, here at Royal Oak First, we're going to keep doing it. We're going to keep trying to be the people God has called us to be. We're going to be a people who work for peace and justice. That keeps coming, yeah, that keeps coming out of our, that keeps coming out of our vision work. Social justice as a, as a means for how we recognize the dignity of every person." [55:54] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "So this morning, I want to have that same trust. I want to have that same faith. I want to sing a song of hope this morning. But I'm scared. Moments like this make me feel so powerless. I can't do it alone. I need God's help. And as I prayed that prayer this morning in my little prayer room, God said, look around this morning and see that I have answered the prayer in the people of goodwill who show up this morning." [59:36] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

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