Only a day since Hurricane Katrina has passed, we are now beginning to see the horrible destruction, the enormous loss of life, and the vast amount of suffering that many people will endure and be haunted by for a long, long time.
Most of us do not even know what it is like to endure a hurricane and the terrific damage such a disaster brings. But some of us, perhaps even most of us, know and understand what it is like to suffer, to be hurt in not only a physical manner but also emotionally and spiritually. There are no words to say that bring comfort to the loss of life, to the destruction brought upon all of the survivors, and to the many that have been left virtually homeless.
What we can do is voice our complaint to God just as Israel did. We can pour out our Lament to the God who has brought redemption in the past in hope and anticipation that he will once again bring redemption. Psalm 60 was a communal lament of Israel that not only chronicled their distress amidst the suffering but also the anticipation of hope. Israel’s enemy was the surrounding nations; our enemy is the death and destruction brought by the hurricane. So let us lament:
“You have rejected us, God, and burst upon us; you have been angry – now restore us! You have shaken the land and torn it open; mend its fractures, for it is quaking. You have shown your people desperate times; you have given us wine that makes us stagger. But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow. Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered. God has spoken from his sanctuary; “In triumph I will parcel out Shechem and measure off the Valley of Sukkoth. Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet, Judah is my scepter. Moab is my washbasin, on Edom I toss my sandal; over Philistia I shout in triumph.” Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom? Is it not you, God, you who have now rejected us and no longer go out with our armies? Give us aid against the enemy, for human help is worthless. With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.”
– Psalm 60, TNIV
Most of us do not even know what it is like to endure a hurricane and the terrific damage such a disaster brings. But some of us, perhaps even most of us, know and understand what it is like to suffer, to be hurt in not only a physical manner but also emotionally and spiritually. There are no words to say that bring comfort to the loss of life, to the destruction brought upon all of the survivors, and to the many that have been left virtually homeless.
What we can do is voice our complaint to God just as Israel did. We can pour out our Lament to the God who has brought redemption in the past in hope and anticipation that he will once again bring redemption. Psalm 60 was a communal lament of Israel that not only chronicled their distress amidst the suffering but also the anticipation of hope. Israel’s enemy was the surrounding nations; our enemy is the death and destruction brought by the hurricane. So let us lament:
“You have rejected us, God, and burst upon us; you have been angry – now restore us! You have shaken the land and torn it open; mend its fractures, for it is quaking. You have shown your people desperate times; you have given us wine that makes us stagger. But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow. Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered. God has spoken from his sanctuary; “In triumph I will parcel out Shechem and measure off the Valley of Sukkoth. Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet, Judah is my scepter. Moab is my washbasin, on Edom I toss my sandal; over Philistia I shout in triumph.” Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom? Is it not you, God, you who have now rejected us and no longer go out with our armies? Give us aid against the enemy, for human help is worthless. With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.”
– Psalm 60, TNIV
1 comment:
Rex, great post.......and great comments on Mike's blog also. I think I will do a post in a few days about "Lamenting". Thanks for your encouragment!
I have a son who teaches at Harding Academy there next door to you. His name is Matt Underwood.
In fact, I am coming to their football game Friday night......as he is a coach.
God bless,
David
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