There are times in our lives when everything goes well, we are content, happy, pleased, and enjoy every day. We also experience times when life doesn’t seem to go well. Illness intrudes into our well-ordered plans. A loved one or friend dies and leaves us with a deep sense of loss. We lose our job and wonder why it couldn’t be someone else at the company. We have difficulties with loved ones and the relationship is strained. There are many reasons why we experience difficult days.

A few years ago I was at a clergy retreat and we were studying the book of Psalms. The leader had us reading a number of the laments and the words seemed to resonate with issues I was struggling with at the time. During the retreat I wrote the Psalm of Lament you will find below.

Psalms of Lament are one of seven different types of Psalms. As you read the Psalms of Lament in the Bible you will hear strong, emotional words. The words were written by real people who were dealing with difficult spiritual, emotional, and physical situations. Each of these persons knew, and we still affirm today, that God is not upset when we are honest. Even if we scream at God, it is a scream of faith.

As I continue to reflect on these words and their meaning, I am thankful for a God who loves us enough, to allow us to lift up every feeling and thought in our heart, and will never stop loving and caring for us. I pray you find the words a blessing for your faith journey.
 

             Grace and Peace,
               Pastor Richard

A Psalm of Lament
by
Richard Reed

Creator God,
	whose thought formed the universe
	and every star in heaven,
Creator God, whose hand has caressed into being
	what our minds have failed to comprehend,

Why does my spirit remain strong but my body dissolves
	like the hills under the lash of wind and rain?
Why does my heart beat with the strength of my youth
	but I am betrayed by life seeping from my arms?

All life comes from you,
	it is a gift of exquisite value.
Think on me, LORD, think on me.

Let my life have purpose
	even when my body fails.
Let my life have value
	even when I am twisted and frozen in time.

My heart will sing your praise.
The voice in my mind will 
	joyfully speak your name.

For the life in my heart
	will always know your salvation.
For the life in my heart
	is the work of your hand.
O my Creator.