Lamenting

In you,  Lord  my God, I put my trust.    I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.    No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.    Show me your ways,  Lord , teach me your paths.    Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. (Psalm 25:1-5 NIV)

Many of the Psalms are psalms of lament.  Lamenting is something we tend to do while we are waiting for God to act in our lives.  Waiting for God to act is what Advent is all about.

I'm sure Elizabeth and Zechariah spend a lot of time lamenting the lack of a child in their life... no one to carry on the family name... no one to look after them in their elderly years.

Lamenting is no sin.  It doesn't mean we don't appreciate what we have.  Really, I think lamenting is part of the processs of putting our trust in God.  When we lament, we question God.  We question ourselves.  We ask ourselves important questions about our motives and our real needs.  If we are faithful in that process, we usually end up in the same place as Elizabeth and Zechariah... trustful, faithful acceptance... the knowledge that God is truly all we need.

Take some time to lament that unanswered prayer today.  God won't mind.

Father,
We don't know why you sometimes don't give us those things we believe would be good for us.  Help us to trust you and know that you are all we truly need.  Amen.

Joys;  Christmas shopping for my Florida nephews; Cecelia's excitement about going to Florida; baby Advil to soothe little Emma's sore teething gums