A Time To Cry & A Time to Laugh

https://lwccftl.org/messages/single/a-time-to-grieve-and-cry-dr-norman-wise/

A message I gave on dealing with difficult times and getting more Joy in our lives.

[Ecc.  3:4 NLT] 4 A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.

[Rom 12:15 NLT] 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.

[Jhn 11:35 NLT] 35 Then Jesus wept.

1.  A time to cry and grieve

2. God’s gift of learning to Lament

Outline

1. Address and introductory cry: Identify the Lord as the person to whom the Psalm is addressed.

2. Complaint or Lament : Articulate the problem and ask the Lord for help.

3. Confession of Trust: Verbalize your trust in the Lord.

4. Prayer for Deliverance: Request deliverance, or God’s intervention in the problem.

5. Praise: Offer praise and thanksgiving to God for God’s many blessings.

Example: Psalm 4

Psalm 4

1. Address and introductory cry

   • 1 Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

2. Complaint or Lament

   • 2 How long will you people turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?

3. Confession of Trust

   • 3 Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him.

4. Prayer for Deliverance

   • 4 Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. 5 Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the Lord. 6 Many, Lord, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?” Let the light of your face shine on us. 7 Fill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound.

5. Praise

   • 8 In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.

How to write your own lament

Take some time and reflect on how the last week (or a time frame of your choice) has been for you. Make note of the predominant emotions you have been feeling during this time, in particular the more negative ones. Reflect on a particular situation or recurring theme that you know has been causing you distress, pain or anxiety and that you feel is beyond your control. Imagine that God is with you and that He has given you complete freedom to lay it all out, to complain fearlessly without judgment, in order to get it all off your chest.

With a piece of paper and pen, invite God’s presence and follow the steps outlined below.

1. Address and introductory cry: Identify the Lord as the person to whom you are addressing your complaint. Request for His presence as you express what is on your heart.

2. Complaint or Lament: Articulate the problem you are wrestling with. Detail how it is affecting you, the pain it is causing, and ask the Lord for His help.

3. Confession of Trust: Verbalize your trust in the Lord. Share your hopes that He will come to your aid, that He will be present with you in your situation.

4. Prayer for Deliverance: Request deliverance, or God’s intervention in the problem.

5. Praise: Offer praise and thanksgiving to God for God’s many blessings and faithfulness.[1]

6. From Vineyard Church in Ann Arbor - https://annarborvineyard.org/participate/spiritual-formation/writing-a-psalm-of-lament/

1. II. God’s gift of laughing and dancing

1. A positive daily journal

   • A positive life journal

   • Planned times of celebration

   • Notes of encouragement

   • See the glory of creation, redemption, and promise of restoration

Conclusion

Check out this resource which inspired this message - https://annarborvineyard.org/participate/spiritual-formation/writing-a-psalm-of-lament/

[1] Individual psalms of Lament include: 3, 4, 5, 7, 9-10, 13, 14, 17, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 31, 36, 39, 40:12-17, 41, 42-43, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 59, 61, 64, 70, 71, 77, 86, 89, 120, 139, 141, 142.

Corporate psalms of Lament include: 12, 44, 58, 60, 74, 79, 80, 83, 85, 89, 90, 94, 123, 126, 129.