A Lament In Time of Crisis

I was reading through an old journal as I worked on a book I hope to publish one day. I came across this poem. It was written when we were trying to purchase land in India for a widow’s home.  Things had been tough.  The brokers we were dealing with were greedy, corrupt, and money-hungry. 

As I prayed one morning, I wrote this lament.  I hope it will encourage you, especially if you are facing a crisis or difficulty today.

Evil men, dishonest men… tell their lies
Demons influence people
Power, greed, control
Filthy streets, unclean hearts
My light feels dim
I feel unable to shine, to bring change
I am threatened, will I become like them?
Will I too be dirty?

Corrupt, vying for power?
Tempted to lie, manipulate, pressurize?
Father, we are here for Your purpose
Protect us from evil, guard our hearts and minds

I wake up early
Disturbed in my spirit
Unable to rest
I seek you, my Lord
You are my shepherd
My Father
My Friend
To whom else would I turn?

Guard me, Lord, not only from them
But from myself
Lest I lose Your Spirit within me
Lest I lose the joy You have purchased for me
Lest I lose my health, my peace within

Teach me to rest
Teach me to trust
Teach me to believe
You are Mighty and Great
No one can withstand Your power or purpose
Your strength flows into me
My source, My hope

Courage…to face today
Strength…to fight for freedom
Peace…to rest in Your embrace
Hope…that what I cannot do, You are doing

If God is for me, who can be against me?
Bring justice to our cause
Force the hand of dishonest men
Show the pathway thru the waters
Part the sea

You are the same God who dealt with Pharoah
You are the same God who humbled kings of old
Can you not deal with land brokers and priests?

I rest in Your promises
I put my faith in Your Word
You will do Your Will and nothing can stop You
You are God and there is no other

The poor will find rest
Widows will dwell in safety
Shelter will be theirs
Children will laugh and play
Community and family
Food and crops
Health and healing
Prayer and honoring
My King lifted high
His name known and worshiped

I wait in expectation
For God to show Himself here
Patient, but anxious
Resting, but pressing in
Loving, serving
Anointed and free

Poems, and particularly what we call laments, are one of the best ways I have found to create space for our feelings of pain, discouragement, or sadness. The Bible is full of them. David often cried out to God in anger, and pain, and even expressed his hatred of his enemies. It is best not to keep these emotions bottled up inside. Pour them out to the Lord. He hears, sees, and understands. Our grief and frustration don’t bother Him. His shoulders are broad enough to carry your sorrow.

Write Your Own Lament

Even if you don’t consider yourself a poet or songwriter, why not give it a shot? Write your own lament about whatever you are going through right now. If you want to send it to me, I’d be happy to read it. Or you can post it on the Missionary Life Facebook Page. Your openness and vulnerability can encourage others too.