Blog Archives

How Long?

2/17/2025

In Psalm 4:2 we have that often asked question, “How long?”
O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long with you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah.

Your concern will undoubtedly be different than David’s. However, everyone has their own ‘how long’ questions. "How long" questions occur four times in the Book of Job. (Job 7:19, 8:2, 11:2, 19:2). They occur much more often in the Psalms. (6:3; 13:1-2; 35:17; 62:3; 74:9,10; 79:1,5; 80:4; 82:2; 80:46; 90:13; 94:3; 110.84) If you have time, read these passages. You will find comfort in knowing that others have cried out to God with the same question, and you will find comfort in the help that they received.

You can join this large group by creating your own ‘how long’ prayer questions. How long will ______________________?

But it is important that you also add a promise like David did in verse 3.
But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself, the LORD hears when I call to him.

Combine your ‘how long’ cry with a promise. You will find comfort and you will be able to comfort others.

0 Comments

Memorize, then pray

2/11/2025

0 Comments

If you memorize a part of a psalm, you will find it easier to turn it into a prayer.

Then you can pray such a prayer in a place or situation where it may be completely dark with no light, movement or reading allowed. But you can pray!

Don’t forget that the Psalms are songs that the Hebrew people sang. They did not have songbooks, so the Psalms were memorized.

Memorized scripture can encourage us at any time or any place.
Memorized scripture can be used by God to heal us from trauma.
Memorized scripture can be used to comfort and encourage.

Even one verse, like Psalm 4:1 in the previous insight, can be of help. One verse is easily memorized. What verse or verses will you memorize today?

0 Comments

Turn a Lament into a Prayer

2/8/2025

0 Comments

Carefully reading a lament psalm is similar to spending time with a person who has experienced trauma. This time can be even more meaningful when you create a prayer based on the psalm. It is similar to having a conversation with another person who has experienced trauma.

With today’s verse, you can spend time with David.
Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer! Psalm 4:1

Here is my prayer version:
Lord, I know that you are listening. You answered David’s call, and I believe you will also answer my call. I know that you are a righteous compassionate God. I remember other times when I was in distress, and you gave me relief. You have also helped others in my family and in my church. I believe you can give me relief now as well. Be gracious to me. Thank you for hearing my prayer.

Create your own prayer based on this verse or use a verse from a different psalm.

0 Comments

Lament is not a Complaint

2/3/2025

0 Comments

You may think it is wrong to complain to God, a sign of rebellion and unfaithfulness, or an inappropriate way to show your anger. But how can it be wrong if God has many laments in the Bible?

Spending time with the lament psalms teaches us that God does not fear our honesty in coming to Him; it’s us who fear coming to God honestly.

In these psalms, you will see that God does not attempt to conceal the anguish of God’s people when they undergo suffering. They argue with God, they complain to God, and they weep before God. Their faith is so strong that they can wrestle with God.

Job, David, and Jeremiah were disappointed and angry with God. But their prayers show us that prayers of complaint can be prayers of faith. They represent the last refusal to let go of God.

Therefore, do not fear coming to God in complete honesty. Be honest. It is good therapy. It leads to healing.

0 Comments

Applying the Pattern of the Lament Psalms

2/1/2025

0 Comments

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Songs of lament are ‘breathed out words’ that help grieving people accept loss. The pattern is God-breathed to help you heal. I believe that because I trust God’s Word and have experienced its power. I urge you to memorize these steps: Cry for Help, Complain, Find a Statement of Trust, Petition, and Vow to Praise God.

Make them a part of your every day. Make them part of how you are coping: prayer, talking to God, writing, journaling, drawing, or choosing songs to listen to.

Memorizing anything may be difficult for you right now. I understand that. In that case, write down the steps on a small piece of paper or card that you can carry in your wallet, purse or pocket.

Then you can apply healing anytime and anyplace.

0 Comments

SWIRLS OF NURTURE

How Long?

Memorize, then pray

Turn a Lament into a Prayer

Lament is not a Complaint

Applying the Pattern of the Lament Psalms

Author

Archives

Categories