Today as I was reading Lamentations, I felt the pain of the author. Though we may be mourning different things, I understood the pain and anguish of loss. In the text, Jeremiah mourns the loss and devastation of Jerusalem and compares it to a weeping widow (Lamentations 1: 1-2). I am mourning a loss also.
Nothing I recently lost, but the realization that it is gone. It's strange that you can lose something and never fully acknowledge it until you receive clear indications of its' absence. Not only is it gone, but there's no fight for it or defense of it. All you know is that your strength is depleted, your spirit lacks restoration, and your soul is at unrest. The disappointment that you have failed in some way is overwhelming. And as you wallow in your grief, you wonder how you will recover (what you've lost)?
Jerusalem had fallen to its enemies and they destroyed the entire city including the temples, palaces and the people. But despite it all, Jeremiah still had hope. In their darkest hour, Jeremiah told them to remember what they lost and why, but still remain hopeful.
I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope (Lamentations 3: 19-21 NIV)
And he told them why they should remain hopeful.
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; there I will wait for him." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. (Lamentations 3 22-26 NIV)
Clearly, there is recovery in hope. It's not an easy task to move past pain and anguish, but it's a move you must make to restore your strength, your will and your self. I am not going to allow my grief to consume me and I will recover what I've lost. I may not find it in the same place I lost it, but it will be mine again and I am thankful God has put in on my heart to do so.
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23 NIV)
