Finding Hope Through Grief: The Counselor's Voice
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound themes found in Lamentations, particularly focusing on chapter 5. This chapter is unique because it is the first time the grieving people speak for themselves, using the words "we," "us," and "our." These people have endured devastating experiences that left them stunned and unable to speak or pray. This silence is broken in chapter 5, where they finally find their voice. The book of Lamentations, often seen as a drama, features multiple voices, including the city, the prophet, and now the people. However, the most significant voice is that of the counselor, who speaks for and to the people throughout the first four chapters.
This counselor, unnamed in the text, is a model of perfect counseling. He sits with the grieving, shares in their sorrow, and speaks words they cannot express themselves. This ministry of the counselor points us to Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, who are described as counselors in the New Testament. The Holy Spirit, dwelling within believers, knows our deepest thoughts and feelings, offering comfort and guidance.
The counselor's ministry brings the people to a place where they can pray, establish faith, and restore hope. Despite their questions and doubts, they find solace in the truth that God reigns forever. This message reminds us that grief is not neat and tidy, and even those with faith and hope still have questions. The ending of Lamentations, with its unresolved questions, points us to the ultimate answer found in Jesus Christ, the wonderful counselor who suffered and triumphed for us.
Key Takeaways:
- The book of Lamentations reveals the profound ministry of a counselor who speaks for and to the grieving people, ultimately pointing us to Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit as our divine counselors. This counselor shares in our sorrows and speaks words we cannot express, offering comfort and guidance. [08:18]
- The Holy Spirit, dwelling within believers, knows our deepest thoughts and feelings, offering a unique and intimate understanding of our struggles. This presence assures us that we are never alone in our grief and that God is with us in our darkest moments. [15:18]
- The counselor's ministry brings the grieving people to a place where they can pray, establish faith, and restore hope. This transformation highlights the power of divine intervention in our lives, guiding us from silence and despair to a renewed relationship with God. [24:15]
- Grief is not neat and tidy, and even those with faith and hope still have questions. The unresolved ending of Lamentations reminds us that our journey with God involves ongoing struggles and uncertainties, but we can trust in His ultimate plan and sovereignty. [33:09]
- Jesus Christ, the wonderful counselor, suffered and triumphed for us, offering Himself as our guide and comforter. By walking with Him, we find strength, faith, and hope, knowing that one day our grief and tears will end as we see Him fully. [39:54]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:16] - Introduction and Mother's Day Greeting
[00:34] - Lamentations and Its Relevance
[01:11] - The Voice of the People
[02:28] - Personal Reflections on Grief
[03:56] - Where is God in Our Grief?
[05:20] - The Silence of the People
[06:12] - The Role of the Counselor
[08:18] - Introducing the Counselor
[09:15] - The Counselor's Ministry
[12:05] - The Counselor's Empathy
[16:42] - Speaking Truth in Grief
[20:45] - The Counselor's Hope
[24:15] - The Fruit of the Counselor's Ministry
[30:37] - Restored Hope and Faith
[35:00] - The Unanswered Question
[36:35] - Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor
[39:54] - The Triumph of the Counselor
[42:08] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Lamentations 5:1-22
- John 14:16
- Ephesians 2:4-5
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Observation Questions:
1. In Lamentations 5, what is significant about the use of the words "we," "us," and "our"? How does this shift in language reflect the people's journey from silence to finding their voice? [01:11]
2. How does the counselor in Lamentations serve the grieving people, and what role does he play in their journey from silence to prayer? [08:18]
3. What does John 14:16 reveal about the role of the Holy Spirit as a counselor, and how does this relate to the counselor in Lamentations? [14:43]
4. How does the unresolved ending of Lamentations reflect the ongoing struggles and questions that believers may face in their faith journey? [32:47]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the ministry of the counselor in Lamentations point to the work of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers today? [14:43]
2. What does the shift from silence to prayer in Lamentations 5 teach us about the process of healing and finding hope in the midst of grief? [24:15]
3. How does the unresolved ending of Lamentations challenge believers to trust in God's ultimate plan and sovereignty, even when questions remain unanswered? [32:47]
4. In what ways does the counselor's empathy and understanding of the people's grief reflect the nature of Jesus as the "wonderful counselor"? [38:21]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God in your grief. How can the example of the counselor in Lamentations encourage you to find your voice and pray, even in your darkest moments? [03:21]
2. The Holy Spirit is described as a counselor who knows our deepest thoughts and feelings. How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of the Holy Spirit's presence in your life, especially during times of struggle? [15:18]
3. Consider the unresolved questions in your own life. How can you find comfort in the truth that God reigns forever, even when answers are not immediately clear? [33:09]
4. How can the example of Jesus as the "wonderful counselor" inspire you to offer empathy and support to others who are grieving or struggling? [39:54]
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel stuck in silence or despair. What steps can you take to move towards prayer, faith, and hope, as modeled in Lamentations 5? [24:15]
6. How can you remind yourself of God's sovereignty and ultimate plan when faced with ongoing struggles and uncertainties? What practical steps can you take to trust in His plan? [33:09]
7. Reflect on the role of community in your faith journey. How can you be a source of support and encouragement to others, just as the counselor was to the grieving people in Lamentations? [08:18]
Devotional
Day 1: Divine Counsel in Our Grief
The book of Lamentations reveals the profound ministry of a counselor who speaks for and to the grieving people, ultimately pointing us to Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit as our divine counselors. This counselor shares in our sorrows and speaks words we cannot express, offering comfort and guidance. The counselor's presence is a reminder that we are not alone in our suffering. Just as the counselor in Lamentations sits with the grieving, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are with us in our darkest moments, providing the words and comfort we need when we cannot find them ourselves. This divine counsel is a source of strength and hope, guiding us through the valleys of life. [08:18]
Isaiah 50:4 (ESV): "The Lord God has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary. Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught."
Reflection: Who in your life needs the comfort and guidance of a divine counselor today? How can you be a vessel of God's comfort to them?
Day 2: The Holy Spirit's Intimate Presence
The Holy Spirit, dwelling within believers, knows our deepest thoughts and feelings, offering a unique and intimate understanding of our struggles. This presence assures us that we are never alone in our grief and that God is with us in our darkest moments. The Holy Spirit's role as a counselor is not just about providing comfort but also about understanding us in ways that no one else can. This intimate presence means that even when we feel isolated in our pain, we are deeply known and loved by God. The Spirit's guidance is a constant reminder of God's unwavering presence in our lives. [15:18]
1 Corinthians 2:10-11 (ESV): "These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God."
Reflection: In what ways can you become more aware of the Holy Spirit's presence in your daily life, especially during times of struggle?
Day 3: From Silence to Prayer
The counselor's ministry brings the grieving people to a place where they can pray, establish faith, and restore hope. This transformation highlights the power of divine intervention in our lives, guiding us from silence and despair to a renewed relationship with God. The journey from silence to prayer is a significant one, as it marks the beginning of healing and restoration. Through the counselor's guidance, the people in Lamentations find their voice and begin to communicate with God again, despite their pain. This process is a testament to the transformative power of divine intervention, which can turn our deepest sorrows into opportunities for renewed faith and hope. [24:15]
Psalm 40:1-3 (ESV): "I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel stuck in silence? How can you begin to bring this area to God in prayer today?
Day 4: Trusting in God's Sovereignty
Grief is not neat and tidy, and even those with faith and hope still have questions. The unresolved ending of Lamentations reminds us that our journey with God involves ongoing struggles and uncertainties, but we can trust in His ultimate plan and sovereignty. The book of Lamentations ends with questions, reflecting the reality that not all of life's struggles have immediate answers. Yet, this unresolved ending points us to the truth that God is sovereign and His plans are perfect, even when we cannot see the full picture. Trusting in God's sovereignty means acknowledging that He is in control, even in the midst of our doubts and questions. [33:09]
Habakkuk 3:17-19 (ESV): "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places."
Reflection: What is one unresolved question or struggle you are facing right now? How can you practice trusting in God's sovereignty in this situation?
Day 5: The Triumph of the Wonderful Counselor
Jesus Christ, the wonderful counselor, suffered and triumphed for us, offering Himself as our guide and comforter. By walking with Him, we find strength, faith, and hope, knowing that one day our grief and tears will end as we see Him fully. Jesus' role as the wonderful counselor is not just about providing comfort in our present struggles but also about pointing us to the ultimate victory He has secured for us. His suffering and triumph assure us that our grief is temporary and that a day is coming when all tears will be wiped away. Walking with Jesus means embracing the hope and strength He offers, knowing that He has already overcome the world. [39:54]
Revelation 21:4-5 (ESV): "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. And he who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.' Also he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'"
Reflection: How can you actively walk with Jesus today, allowing Him to be your guide and comforter in the midst of your current challenges?
Quotes
The book of Lamentations reveals the profound ministry of a counselor who speaks for and to the grieving people, ultimately pointing us to Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit as our divine counselors. This counselor shares in our sorrows and speaks words we cannot express, offering comfort and guidance. [00:08:18]
The Holy Spirit, dwelling within believers, knows our deepest thoughts and feelings, offering a unique and intimate understanding of our struggles. This presence assures us that we are never alone in our grief and that God is with us in our darkest moments. [00:15:18]
The counselor's ministry brings the grieving people to a place where they can pray, establish faith, and restore hope. This transformation highlights the power of divine intervention in our lives, guiding us from silence and despair to a renewed relationship with God. [00:24:15]
Grief is not neat and tidy, and even those with faith and hope still have questions. The unresolved ending of Lamentations reminds us that our journey with God involves ongoing struggles and uncertainties, but we can trust in His ultimate plan and sovereignty. [00:33:09]
Jesus Christ, the wonderful counselor, suffered and triumphed for us, offering Himself as our guide and comforter. By walking with Him, we find strength, faith, and hope, knowing that one day our grief and tears will end as we see Him fully. [00:39:54]
The counselor is the one who brings them from the place where they feel that God Is So Far Away behind this impenetrable cloud and I can't speak to him and even if I did he wouldn't hear me. It's the counselor who brings them to chapter five where finally they are able to pray. [00:24:15]
The counselor is one who sheds tears with the people of God, coming alongside when we couldn't even put into words what we're feeling ourselves. The spirit of God is able to help us, Paul says, in our weakness. [00:16:42]
The counselor's Ministry brings this marvelous fruit of establishing Faith. See, it's through the ministry of the counselor that they finally get to the place where they are able to speak to God, they are able to pray, they lay all their sorrows before God. [00:24:15]
The counselor is not a detached Observer; this counselor is very clearly in the grief with these people. He sits beside them, he weeps with those who Weep. The counselor shares in the suffering of the people; their city is his City, their loss really is his loss. [00:12:05]
The counselor's ministry brings the people to a place where they can pray, establish faith, and restore hope. Despite their questions and doubts, they find solace in the truth that God reigns forever. [00:24:15]
The counselor is one who speaks truth. Not only does he shed tears with God's people, but he speaks truth to God's people. Here I want to draw your attention to the very significant shift that takes place in Lamentations chapter 3 and verse one. [00:16:42]
The counselor's Ministry brings this marvelous fruit of establishing Faith. See, it's through the ministry of the counselor that they finally get to the place where they are able to speak to God, they are able to pray, they lay all their sorrows before God. [00:24:15]
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