Just as our human relationships change, our relationships with God grow. Our knowledge of and experience of life with Him deepen. And sometimes God calls us to stop trying to put our relationship with Him in a box and embrace change.
The knowledge that things will eventually change can keep us going, but it isn’t the same as experiencing the thrill of reaching the mountaintop or coming out of the trees and seeing an amazing panorama lying before you. Actually seeing this view reflects not only the words but the experience of the praise section of the laments.
We tend to focus on God’s goodness and faithfulness. We submit ourselves to His will. We often blame ourselves for our circumstances, focusing on our own sinfulness or the reality of life in a fallen world. That's not what the laments do. They don't just beg God to fix things. They blame God. They demand that He intervene.
The laments invite us to boldly express our pain, anger, and fear to God with visceral honesty. They seek an answer from the only One who can bring relief. They keep seeking. They stay in dialogue.
Honestly acknowledging the reality of life in a fallen world doesn’t represent a lack of faith. Admitting the truth doesn’t mean that we think God has lost control.
While contentment may not just magically appear, one day we may all of the sudden realize that we too have learned contentment through our experience of walking with God. I’m guessing it won’t be in spite of our circumstances, but because of them. #TrustGod #SeekGod
Sometimes we can focus solely on praising God's character and works, but sometimes our hearts are broken and we are confronted with the brokenness of the world. In these places, maybe we can blend our praise and prayer. We can choose to seek and to trust God in spite of our circumstances, letting our praise lead us to prayer for His kingdom to come. #TrustGod #Prayer
