Lament

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lamentations%201-2&version=NIV

Today we begin the book of Lamentations. Lamentations is exactly what the name of the book indicates - it is a lament, an expression of sorrow, grief, regret by the Israelites about their circumstances. But more than that, they are lamenting their God-defying sin and covenant breaking rebellion because this is the root of their woes. It is this that lead them to this pit in which they now find themselves. Quite frankly, they are a people who have hit rock bottom.

Perhaps you can relate to the Israelites in their lament. Maybe you find yourself today in a very tough circumstances that sadly resulted from your own God-defying sin and rebellion. Or maybe you've been there before. maybe you are wondering how you could have gotten so far away and so messed up and wondering where to go from here. If so, join the Israelites in their lament, for that is the proper response.

Acknowledgement of your sin and heart-felt contrition are the proper response when we find ourselves in a pit that we ourselves have dug. But note, my friends, that heart-felt contrition is not a type of contrition that is momentary or a simple resignation to doing things God's way for a while until things have improved. It is the type of contrition that turns your completely around and has your running - not walking- straight towards God. Where do you go from here? You run to the cross of Christ.

Or maybe you are watching someone who is on their way to hitting rock bottom and it is very painful to watch. Take heart and be encouraged. God often allows his children to hit the bottom so that they will reach up and grab hold of his hand so he can pull them out. The best thing you can do for this person is to continue to love them - don't rescue but speak truth. And then pray and don't ever give up hope because with God, all things are possible.

The best thing to remember, whether it is you or someone else that is feeling the consequences of their sin and rebellion is that the story doesn't end here. Lamentations is only a part of the story of God's children. It is not the end of the story, but a new beginning. It marks the beginning of a turning back to god. Lamenting over one's sin marks the beginning of restoration. Trust in God's mercy and faithfulness for you or the one you love, no matter how things look right now. Run to the cross and see what God will do tomorrow.

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, our double minded. Grieve, mourn, and wail. Turn your laughter into mourning and your joy into gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." - James 4:7-10.

Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels