Lamentations

https://odb.org/MY/2022/12/12/i-heard-the-bells

The Psalms contained lamentations to God in the sense that they are not confined to only praise. There are instances like in Psalm 43 that the psalmist just pours his heart out telling God the misery and despair they are going to. Somewhat like the cries of the Israeli slaves in Egypt, which the LORD heard and rescued by raising up Moses. These may sound like complaints, but they always end up trusting that the LORD will one day redeem and save them and nearly always end up in praise that God is to be praised and that their hope and salvation is the LORD.

Same as the case of Job. He went through a lot, but never once did he condemn God. He still placed his hope and faith in the LORD. His heart remained faithful to God. His righteousness was unwavering. He did not worship other gods or find other means to recover what he lost. He never once changed his allegiance. He was and had always remained true and sincere towards the LORD, his God.

If our life is not going well or the present economic slowdown has somewhat affected us more than others or we are still waiting for that spiritual breakthrough, nevertheless carryvon striving to be that person God wants us to be and not sulk or get angry at God or condemn Him. Lament to Him our situation. Cry out to Him. But always remain steadfast in our faith. Don’t ever turn to other gods or get into the other side and dabble in the occultic or spiritualism.

Always maintain the belief and faith that our time will come one day, and like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego – we will say, even if our God does not rescue us, we will still not bow down and worship that golden calf. The day may come sooner than later when all of us may need to make that stand and go through intense suffering and hardship as a result and to remain in the faith. Compared to people who are undergoing severe persecution, what is the mild discomfort we are facing in our present life that is less than rosy? Is it justified that we can be angry with God or even to lament to Him? Are we still or forever a child? Have we not achieved some measure of maturity? Come what may, Jesus will always be our Lord and Saviour.