The Silver-lining to grief and sorrow (Lamentations 1)

Text: Lamentations 1

The book of Lamentations is known for being the most depressing book in the Bible. The whole book is made up of poems that describe, in painful detail, Israel's sorrows. At first glance, it reads like the journal of a teenager who just got dumped saying, "Woe is me! I've been dumped, and now I'm all alone in the world. My heart is broken and I will never be happy ever again." For that reason, it's not a lot of people's favorite book. 

In Isreal's defense, their grief is not without merit. These poems were written in response to Babylon's violent capture and plundered of Israel's capital, Jerusalem (2 Kings 24 & 2 Chronicles 36). After their capture, the Babylonians desecrated Isreal's temple, and enslaved the Israelites. 

They're feeling the kind of utter hopelessness that we feel in the worst moments of our lives. It's the same heart shattering despair we experience when we go through a bitter breakup or divorce; face the betrayal of a close friend; get fired from the job our family depends on; or face bankruptcy as the result of crushing financial debt. These situations have a special ability to cause us to feel isolated, humiliated and broken. There is, however, a silver-lining to the blackest moments of our lives. 

Only when Israel's pride and dignity have been stripped away do the people find the humility to take responsibility for their contribution to their suffering. 

"'The LORD is right,' Jerusalem says, 'for I rebelled against him. Listen, people everywhere; look upon my anguish and despair, for my sons and daughters have been taken captive to distant lands.'"

If we allow them, our tragedies clear away the fog of self deception in our lives, and give us an opportunity to see where we've contributed to our own pain and suffering. The people who cease these opportunities will set the stage for their own healing. They will aid a miracle in their own lives, as their worst suffering is transformed into valuable experience that can be used to comfort and guide other people.

Question: Where have I contributed to the suffering I am currently experiencing in my life?

Prayer: "Lord, if I were perfect I would be like you, and my life would be perfect. But I am not perfect. And even though I live in an imperfect world, my selfish actions and attitudes contribute to my own suffering. Please show me how to turn away from my own sin, submit to your will for my life, and become helpful to the people you've put in my life."