Good Grief Part 5: Learning to Lament Your SinSample

BEHOLD! THERE IS HOPE...

Depending on the Bible translation you are reading, Psalm 51:6 begins with a word like behold, yet, or but. With this transition, David reminded himself that no matter what he had done or why he did it – God’s ultimate plan is for good. Not only is God’s plan good, but He has given, and will continue to give, David what he needed to live in it. David confessed his failure to obey God’s word, and yet he knew that God is faithful to His promises and therefore he had hope that God would continue to work things together to accomplish His good plans, even through David himself.

Recognizing this momentary remembrance in the middle of David’s lament is essential for all of us who grieve our rebellions and mistakes. As we stand in the messes we make, it can be difficult to get beyond the guilt and shame. We can get stuck in the brokenness and our inability to change what has happened. We know we don’t deserve God’s grace and mercy. And yet, God has a really good plan for His people and He will bring that plan to fruition.

In Jeremiah 29:10-14, the prophet Jeremiah spoke the word of the Lord to His people while they were in exile, reaping the consequences of their sin. They had wandered far from God and yet God had not forgotten or forsaken them. He reminded them- His plans for His people are good and for all that He promised would be restored as they returned to Him with all their hearts.

Let the truth of God’s heart for His people encourage you today. No matter how far you may have wandered, if you return to Him, there is hope. There is always hope.

Ask Yourself:

-David believed that God desires faithfulness and truth and that He teaches us wisdom. How do you think he arrived at that conclusion?

-What are some examples from your own faith journey that would support this belief? How do you think this points to God’s good plans for His people?

Pause to Pray: Father God, I thank you today for the good plans you have for me. Even in _________, I choose to remember that your ways are not my ways and that no matter what I might see with my eyes, your word will be accomplished. Help me to always find my hope in you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Living Lament: Spend some time reflecting on the faithfulness of God. If you have any areas that seem hopeless in this season, confess your fears and then intentionally contrast the things you see with your eyes with the truth of God’s word. As you write out your confessions, use those transition words (behold, yet, but, even so) to shift your focus from the hard to the hope.