“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4
When I came to scripture with the desire to know and love God above all else, my faith revived. As I read and study and grow in my view of the Lord, I see that I am growing. Time with him is vital to get to know him. They rhythms of bible reading, study, and prayer are not a check list, but a life-line in this broken world. Because God is good and sovereign and holy and loving and faithful. And I need those reminders all the time.
Lament is a crucial part of our relationship with God and essential in our efforts to heal. We’re not called to hide. Our prayer closets are not to be confused with a courthouse or a quiet room. Jesus didn’t exchange his life for ours so that we can pretend with him or put on a show.
Lament fosters hope. It is a holy language that helps us walk in the new life we’ve obtained in Christ.
Mornings were always particularly difficult during depressive episodes. I’d wake up and then check in with myself to see how I felt. I paid close attention to my thoughts. And if they were negative or if I was achy or if there was even an inkling of darkness, I assumed that it would be a bad day. I got pretty good at giving in quickly. I didn’t have the health and skills to examine what I thought or felt to 1) see if they possessed any truth, and/or 2) decide if I wanted to cater to them or push back.