Deepened Faith Through Lamentation

via TJC

Restore us to yourself, Lord, that we may return; renew our days as of old unless you have utterly rejected us and are angry with us beyond measure. - Lamentations 5:21-22

The book of Lamentations contains 5 poems that document, in very emotional language, the fall and exile of Jerusalem at the hands of the Babylonians. It was written by an unknown author after the fall to preserve the raw pain and insecurity that Israel felt, having their whole world stripped away.

I recently lost a job due to sudden, unforseen layoffs. Overnight my family's worldly security was stripped away and in its place was just a pile of questions that we had not planned on answering any time soon. We were hoping that this job would allow us to make progress on our life goals and tackle issues we have been facing. We thought the income would lead us to a less stressed, more orderly life, but it was not meant to be.

There was definitely a period of lamentation as I asked God why this had to happen. Did I not show enough gratitude for the opportunity? Did my sins disqualify me from the benefits of such a job? Or was there something deeper? Was the job not as beneficial as I thought and is there something even more suited to my talents out there? Recovery from the shock happened over the course of a week and I have been in damage control mode ever since, just as Israel was after they were dislodged from their comfort zone. My wife and I have tightened up our budget and have had many conversations about priorities since we do not know what the future holds. We have faith that God will bring us through these uncertain times and also see other opportunities that are on the horizon.

Daily Battle Order:

Curveballs will always be thrown at us in this life but remember through everything, you are called to be a son of God! Today, thank him for the opportunity to suffer like He suffered and commit to weather the suffering with a stronger, more resilient faith!