“We were so utterly burdened—beyond our ability to endure, that we despaired of life itself…” (2 Cor 1:8). “Day and night I have only tears for food” (Ps.42:3).
God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry?” “It is,” he said. “I’m so angry I wish I were dead.” (Jonah 4:9).
“My heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant— I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to you…” (Ps.73:21-23)
Dear Jesus, the question is not if we get over-burdened like Paul, tear-fed like Korah’s sad son, anger-peaked like Jonah, or bitter-hearted like Asaph. But what do we do and where do we go when we do? Who can handle our weariness, mad-ness, and sadness? Who can we trust? Until you return, trouble, tension, tares, temper, and tears remain with us. But so do you, Jesus… hallelujah, so do you. You are with us and for us.
* Press us into your heart when we pull away in our pain, rage, shame.
* Pursue us when like Jonah we feel compelled to run away.
* Pour out fresh grace on us when we want to call down hot fire on others.
* Protect us in our moments of vulnerability, sadness, and weakness.
For at these opportune times, Satan tempts us with “sugar-coated” relief that is thinly veiled poison. And he whispers the same words he spoke to Job, “Curse God, and die.” (Job. 2:9).
That’s why having friends with wounds and wisdom matters so much. Jesus, thank you for our compassionate companions—grace-smitten sisters and brothers—our “Gospel Posse.” Increase their “tribe,” and make us increasingly like them. It’s hard down here and we need each other. So Very Amen.