Lamentations 3:55-57 – 55:
I called on your name, O LORD,
from the depths of the pit;
you heard my plea, “Do not close your ear
to my cry for help, but give me relief!”
You came near when I called on you;
you said, “Do not fear!”
Meditation
I will confess that while I’ve read Song of Songs and Ruth frequently, I’ve hardly ever read through Lamentations. Partly this is because the Psalms are full of lament and I know those writings much better. The preaching lectionary is also no help suggesting no Sunday proclamations from Lamentations. Lament, however, is a vitally important part of the canon because lament is part of the nature of this world and our lives. Sooner or later tragedy enters into every life. And the cry goes up, where is God in this time of trouble? I believe that God is present and grieves with us. For better or worse, that’s the consolation we are promised. God is present in time of trouble if we have but the strength and courage to look. Doesn’t lessen the pain of course. But I think it helps to know that it is there.
Let us pray …
God who is present in the darkest hours: Thank you for your presence however faint when we need it most. Thank you for your willingness to join with the human race in experiencing tragedy and abandonment first hand. Help us to truly know the power of that story and use it to help us when we need it most. Thank you for the coming of spring after each winter and the coming of dawn after each night. Amen.
