The Twofold Key to Lament

The key to an honest lament is twofold: it means looking reality square in the face, and it means still holding on to hope. Sometimes we even lament that we’ve lost our belief in God - and yet we tell God that and cling to God in the process.

Today we’re listening in on the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk as he prays a desperate prayer. He’s facing the downfall of his people and increasing oppression. Listen in as he faces reality. Can you feel it with him? And lean in as he describes not just his hope, but how he finds strength to climb the barren walls of this mountain of pain.

As you spend time with Habbakuk, see if the Holy Spirit has a word for you today.

I heard and my heart pounded,
    my lips quivered at the sound;
decay crept into my bones,
    and my legs trembled.
Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity
    to come on the nation invading us.
Though the fig tree does not bud
    and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
    and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
    and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
    I will be joyful in God my Savior.

The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
    he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
    he enables me to tread on the heights. - Habakkuk 3:16-19