Good Grief Part 5: Learning to Lament Your SinSýnishorn

DON'T TURN AWAY

Through the first four parts of this Learning to Lament plan, we have seen that the situations leading to and surrounding our seasons of grief vary widely. This week we are looking at how to lament when the pain and sorrow, interwoven with guilt and shame, are the result of our own personal sin.

Our passages in 2 Samuel 11 and 12 reveal a series of King David’s sinful decisions, including pursuing another man’s wife for his own and ultimately having that man killed as he attempted to conceal his actions. David’s sin did not go unnoticed by God – He sent the prophet Nathan to confront David with the weight of it and describe the consequences that would follow. David wrote Psalm 51 as he became keenly aware of what he had done, and there is much to learn through how he responds.

Since Adam and Eve and their coverings of leaves (Genesis 3:7), we have all encountered the temptation to hide when we have done wrong. Whether trying to avoid the consequences or overcome with shame, our human response is to duck our heads, shut our mouths, and avoid all eye contact. Although David had tried the avoidance tactic when Bathsheba first became pregnant, at this moment, confronted by God, he did something different. He turned toward God and started praying. In doing so, he took the first step in penitent lament.

David began his lament by addressing God and declaring whom he knew God to be; merciful, loving, and compassionate. He followed this with immediate recognition of who he was; a sinner. Part of the power of lament is found in resisting the urge to hide and instead being willing to talk to God - and doing so with deep level honesty about who God is and who we actually are.

Ask Yourself:

-What is your first response to being confronted by something you have done wrong?

-How has guilt or shame changed your conversation with God at that moment?

-What can help you keep that line of communication open no matter how badly you would like to hide?

Pause to Pray: Father God, you know me. You know my wayward heart and all the ways that I sin against you. Have mercy in this moment God, according to your unfailing love. Help me resist the temptation to hide or ignore ________and turn toward you for guidance instead. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Living Lament: Grab your journal! Take some time to write about whom you know God to be. How has he shown himself faithful in your life? In what ways has His love become real to you? What other characteristics come to mind when you think about Him?