Turn to God in Suffering

Let me invite you to take your Bibles Let me invite you to take your Bibles and open them to Psalm and open them to Psalm and open them to Psalm 102. Psalm 102. Psalm 102. Psalm 102. As you're turning there, let's pray. As you're turning there, let's pray. Oh Lord Jesus, we want your name to be Oh Lord Jesus, we want your name to be Oh Lord Jesus, we want your name to be exalted. We want your glory to be seen. exalted. We want your glory to be seen. exalted. We want your glory to be seen. We want your comfort to be felt. And so We want your comfort to be felt. And so We want your comfort to be felt. And so we pray that you will meet with us. we pray that you will meet with us. we pray that you will meet with us. pray that you will speak to us and pray pray that you will speak to us and pray pray that you will speak to us and pray that you will help us. We ask this in that you will help us. We ask this in that you will help us. We ask this in your name, King Jesus. your name, King Jesus. your name, King Jesus. Amen. Please, Lord. Please, Lord. Not this on my knees next to our bed on my knees next to our bed in the early morning hours. in the early morning hours. in the early morning hours. That's the prayer that I prayed. Please, That's the prayer that I prayed. Please, That's the prayer that I prayed. Please, Lord, not this. My wife had just woken Lord, not this. My wife had just woken Lord, not this. My wife had just woken me up and with a panicked sound in her me up and with a panicked sound in her me up and with a panicked sound in her voice said, "Mark, something's wrong voice said, "Mark, something's wrong voice said, "Mark, something's wrong with the pregnancy."

with the pregnancy." with the pregnancy." We were just a few days away from our We were just a few days away from our We were just a few days away from our delivery date of what would have been delivery date of what would have been delivery date of what would have been our fourth baby. our fourth baby. our fourth baby. She said, "I've been up all night, been She said, "I've been up all night, been She said, "I've been up all night, been shifting, and there's there's just no shifting, and there's there's just no shifting, and there's there's just no movement, and I'm really scared." She movement, and I'm really scared." She movement, and I'm really scared." She left the bedroom. I pulled back the left the bedroom. I pulled back the left the bedroom. I pulled back the covers, dropped to my knees, and prayed, covers, dropped to my knees, and prayed, covers, dropped to my knees, and prayed, "God, please, "God, please, "God, please, please, not this." please, not this." please, not this." A number of hours later, we went to the A number of hours later, we went to the A number of hours later, we went to the doctor's office, and he took the doctor's office, and he took the doctor's office, and he took the stethoscope and he put it on my wife's stethoscope and he put it on my wife's stethoscope and he put it on my wife's womb, and we were waiting to hear the womb, and we were waiting to hear the womb, and we were waiting to hear the sound that we had heard so many times sound that we had heard so many times sound that we had heard so many times before of that. As the doctor moved over her womb, As the doctor moved over her womb, there was a silence that was there was a silence that was there was a silence that was frightening. frightening. frightening. We then moved into the ultrasound room We then moved into the ultrasound room We then moved into the ultrasound room and he took the wand and put it on her and he took the wand and put it on her and he took the wand and put it on her womb again and I could see the grainy womb again and I could see the grainy womb again and I could see the grainy outline of our daughter's body and he outline of our daughter's body and he outline of our daughter's body and he put the wand right where her heart was put the wand right where her heart was put the wand right where her heart was and he said, and he said, and he said, "I don't know how to tell you this, but "I don't know how to tell you this, but "I don't know how to tell you this, but your baby has died."

That moment 22 years ago That moment 22 years ago rocked us. rocked us. rocked us. And yet I am here today to tell you And yet I am here today to tell you And yet I am here today to tell you it didn't ruin us. it didn't ruin us. it didn't ruin us. That journey was long and hard. That journey was long and hard. That journey was long and hard. And throughout the course of a number of And throughout the course of a number of And throughout the course of a number of years, we tried to pour out our hearts years, we tried to pour out our hearts years, we tried to pour out our hearts in desperation, trying to process the in desperation, trying to process the in desperation, trying to process the pain of what was happening inside of us. pain of what was happening inside of us. pain of what was happening inside of us. The the sadness that I felt and my wife The the sadness that I felt and my wife The the sadness that I felt and my wife felt in that moment was like nothing we felt in that moment was like nothing we felt in that moment was like nothing we had experienced before. Its presence was had experienced before. Its presence was had experienced before. Its presence was frightening and the anticipation that frightening and the anticipation that frightening and the anticipation that our lives would never change was almost our lives would never change was almost our lives would never change was almost at times a a feeling like it would be at times a a feeling like it would be at times a a feeling like it would be too much to bear. too much to bear. too much to bear. And following the still birth of our And following the still birth of our And following the still birth of our daughter, daughter, daughter, we began to pour out our hearts in we began to pour out our hearts in we began to pour out our hearts in desperate cander. desperate cander. desperate cander. I found words and phrases in the Bible I found words and phrases in the Bible I found words and phrases in the Bible that had been there before, but now I that had been there before, but now I that had been there before, but now I saw them and I heard them differently. saw them and I heard them differently. saw them and I heard them differently. It's as though grief had tuned my heart It's as though grief had tuned my heart It's as though grief had tuned my heart to hear things and see things that I had to hear things and see things that I had to hear things and see things that I had never seen before.

never seen before. never seen before. And in that journey, I discovered the And in that journey, I discovered the And in that journey, I discovered the minor key language minor key language minor key language of lament. I've been a pastor for years. I went to I've been a pastor for years. I went to a good seminary and I don't know if I a good seminary and I don't know if I a good seminary and I don't know if I was sleeping when the psalms were taught was sleeping when the psalms were taught was sleeping when the psalms were taught but I missed it. To this day I don't but I missed it. To this day I don't but I missed it. To this day I don't know how. know how. know how. And through this journey and over a And through this journey and over a And through this journey and over a number of years I began trying to voice number of years I began trying to voice number of years I began trying to voice my fears and my struggles. I was trying my fears and my struggles. I was trying my fears and my struggles. I was trying to hold two things together at the same to hold two things together at the same to hold two things together at the same time. God is good. This is really hard. And the Lord brought us on a long And the Lord brought us on a long journey in lament. journey in lament. journey in lament. So when I come to Psalm 102 So when I come to Psalm 102 So when I come to Psalm 102 and I see the title in the ESV which and I see the title in the ESV which and I see the title in the ESV which says this, says this, says this, a prayer of one afflicted when he is a prayer of one afflicted when he is a prayer of one afflicted when he is faint and pours out his complaint before faint and pours out his complaint before faint and pours out his complaint before the Lord. I see that and my heart goes, the Lord. I see that and my heart goes, the Lord. I see that and my heart goes, "Thank you for putting this in the Bible "Thank you for putting this in the Bible "Thank you for putting this in the Bible because this psalm sounds like me."

because this psalm sounds like me." because this psalm sounds like me." And what I want to do is help you And what I want to do is help you And what I want to do is help you understand understand understand how psalms of lament in general and this how psalms of lament in general and this how psalms of lament in general and this particular psalm speaks the language particular psalm speaks the language particular psalm speaks the language that you speak. And I want you to have that you speak. And I want you to have that you speak. And I want you to have permission to talk to God, to process permission to talk to God, to process permission to talk to God, to process your pain, so that you can come through your pain, so that you can come through your pain, so that you can come through your sorrows and pray through your your sorrows and pray through your your sorrows and pray through your griefs and come to the conclusion, my griefs and come to the conclusion, my griefs and come to the conclusion, my life is hard, and God is still good. life is hard, and God is still good. life is hard, and God is still good. To come to the conclusion, I don't know To come to the conclusion, I don't know To come to the conclusion, I don't know why, but I know who, why, but I know who, why, but I know who, and he's in charge and in control, and and he's in charge and in control, and and he's in charge and in control, and somehow someway, somehow someway, somehow someway, God's going to help us. God's going to help us. God's going to help us. In the text today, we're going to look In the text today, we're going to look In the text today, we're going to look at three things. Number one, I'm going at three things. Number one, I'm going at three things. Number one, I'm going to invite you to turn to Jesus in your to invite you to turn to Jesus in your to invite you to turn to Jesus in your pain. pain. pain. I'm going to invite you to two to tell I'm going to invite you to two to tell I'm going to invite you to two to tell Jesus about your pain Jesus about your pain Jesus about your pain and three to trust Jesus through your and three to trust Jesus through your and three to trust Jesus through your pain. So, turn to Jesus, pain. So, turn to Jesus, pain. So, turn to Jesus, tell Jesus, and trust in Jesus. And my tell Jesus, and trust in Jesus. And my tell Jesus, and trust in Jesus. And my hope is that you'll come to embrace this hope is that you'll come to embrace this hope is that you'll come to embrace this biblical language of lament. That you'll biblical language of lament. That you'll biblical language of lament. That you'll make it your own. And you'll find make it your own. And you'll find make it your own. And you'll find comfort by turning to the man of sorrows comfort by turning to the man of sorrows comfort by turning to the man of sorrows who is acquainted with grief. I want to who is acquainted with grief. I want to who is acquainted with grief. I want to invite you to do what Jeremiah says in invite you to do what Jeremiah says in invite you to do what Jeremiah says in Lamentations 3 and how the New Living Lamentations 3 and how the New Living Lamentations 3 and how the New Living Translation renders it when he says Translation renders it when he says Translation renders it when he says this. I will never forget this awful this. I will never forget this awful this. I will never forget this awful time and yet I will dare to hope.

time and yet I will dare to hope. time and yet I will dare to hope. So, first turn to Jesus in your pain. So, first turn to Jesus in your pain. So, first turn to Jesus in your pain. Look at verses 1 and two as I read them. Look at verses 1 and two as I read them. Look at verses 1 and two as I read them. Hear my prayer, O Lord. Let my cry come Hear my prayer, O Lord. Let my cry come Hear my prayer, O Lord. Let my cry come to you. Do not hide your face from me in to you. Do not hide your face from me in to you. Do not hide your face from me in the day of my distress. the day of my distress. the day of my distress. Incline your ear to me and answer me Incline your ear to me and answer me Incline your ear to me and answer me speedily in the day when I call. Let me speedily in the day when I call. Let me speedily in the day when I call. Let me start with a definition of what a lament start with a definition of what a lament start with a definition of what a lament is. A lament is a prayer in pain that is. A lament is a prayer in pain that is. A lament is a prayer in pain that leads to trust. leads to trust. leads to trust. Again, a prayer in pain. So, these are Again, a prayer in pain. So, these are Again, a prayer in pain. So, these are psalms in particular that were sung and psalms in particular that were sung and psalms in particular that were sung and they are prayers. They're prayers that they are prayers. They're prayers that they are prayers. They're prayers that we offer in pain. And it might surprise we offer in pain. And it might surprise we offer in pain. And it might surprise some of you to know that onethird of the some of you to know that onethird of the some of you to know that onethird of the sacred song book in your Bible are sacred song book in your Bible are sacred song book in your Bible are laments. One out of every three. And you laments. One out of every three. And you laments. One out of every three. And you know why that's really helpful? because know why that's really helpful? because know why that's really helpful? because it means that if you have a bad day it means that if you have a bad day it means that if you have a bad day about one out of every three days you're about one out of every three days you're about one out of every three days you're biblical like you're right there.

biblical like you're right there. biblical like you're right there. That's helpful for me. Like I've a bad That's helpful for me. Like I've a bad That's helpful for me. Like I've a bad day but it's day four. I'm ahead of the day but it's day four. I'm ahead of the day but it's day four. I'm ahead of the curve of the Psalms one out of every curve of the Psalms one out of every curve of the Psalms one out of every three. three. three. It's a prayer and pain that leads to It's a prayer and pain that leads to It's a prayer and pain that leads to trust. Laments give voice and words to trust. Laments give voice and words to trust. Laments give voice and words to emotions that we feel because of emotions that we feel because of emotions that we feel because of suffering and the questions that are suffering and the questions that are suffering and the questions that are implicit. Listen, Listen, I trust that you know that suffering is I trust that you know that suffering is I trust that you know that suffering is a central part of what it means to be a a central part of what it means to be a a central part of what it means to be a Christian. Christian. Christian. There are so many hardships in life. If There are so many hardships in life. If There are so many hardships in life. If I if I run into a young person who says, I if I run into a young person who says, I if I run into a young person who says, "I I haven't really suffered." My answer "I I haven't really suffered." My answer "I I haven't really suffered." My answer is, "Well, I don't want to be is, "Well, I don't want to be is, "Well, I don't want to be depressing, but you just haven't lived depressing, but you just haven't lived depressing, but you just haven't lived long enough." And yet, that's not a depressive And yet, that's not a depressive dark cloud sort of statement. That's dark cloud sort of statement. That's dark cloud sort of statement. That's that's the real world. Life is full of that's the real world. Life is full of that's the real world. Life is full of struggles. And maybe you're here and struggles. And maybe you're here and struggles. And maybe you're here and you've recently said something like you've recently said something like you've recently said something like this. I don't know why this is this. I don't know why this is this. I don't know why this is happening.

happening. happening. Or I cannot see the point in this. Or Or I cannot see the point in this. Or Or I cannot see the point in this. Or I'm not sure I can handle this. I'm not sure I can handle this. I'm not sure I can handle this. Or I don't see how this fits into Or I don't see how this fits into Or I don't see how this fits into anything that's going to be good. anything that's going to be good. anything that's going to be good. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Listen, the human heart always longs for >> Listen, the human heart always longs for >> Listen, the human heart always longs for that answer to the question of why. And that answer to the question of why. And that answer to the question of why. And yet most of our lives, the why question yet most of our lives, the why question yet most of our lives, the why question is not fully answered. is not fully answered. is not fully answered. Most suffering Most suffering Most suffering is unexplained. However, that does not mean that However, that does not mean that suffering is meaningless. suffering is meaningless. suffering is meaningless. Leig Duncan writes this, "For the Leig Duncan writes this, "For the Leig Duncan writes this, "For the believer, there is no such thing as believer, there is no such thing as believer, there is no such thing as meaningless suffering. meaningless suffering. meaningless suffering. Nor is this psalm, Psalm 102, about Nor is this psalm, Psalm 102, about Nor is this psalm, Psalm 102, about inexplicable or unexplainable suffering. inexplicable or unexplainable suffering. inexplicable or unexplainable suffering. All suffering is ultimately explainable.

All suffering is ultimately explainable. All suffering is ultimately explainable. It's just that in the most of our lives, It's just that in the most of our lives, It's just that in the most of our lives, as in the most of the lives of believers as in the most of the lives of believers as in the most of the lives of believers from the days of the Bible, it is not in from the days of the Bible, it is not in from the days of the Bible, it is not in God's inscrable plan to explain to us God's inscrable plan to explain to us God's inscrable plan to explain to us the reasons for our suffering, for our the reasons for our suffering, for our the reasons for our suffering, for our afflictions, for our tribulations. In afflictions, for our tribulations. In afflictions, for our tribulations. In the end, he writes, all will be clear, the end, he writes, all will be clear, the end, he writes, all will be clear, but for now, much of what we do and but for now, much of what we do and but for now, much of what we do and experience is unexplained. So, what do you do with that? So, what do you do with that? My answer, well, you better learn how to My answer, well, you better learn how to My answer, well, you better learn how to lament lament lament because lament is the means because lament is the means because lament is the means by which you can live with unexplicable by which you can live with unexplicable by which you can live with unexplicable or inexplicable suffering. or inexplicable suffering. or inexplicable suffering. Can I just encourage you that perplexing Can I just encourage you that perplexing Can I just encourage you that perplexing suffering suffering suffering doesn't mean pointless suffering. doesn't mean pointless suffering. doesn't mean pointless suffering. You may not know why, but it doesn't You may not know why, but it doesn't You may not know why, but it doesn't mean there is no point to it. So, how do mean there is no point to it. So, how do mean there is no point to it. So, how do we live with unexplained suffering? And we live with unexplained suffering? And we live with unexplained suffering? And you know what we do? We talk to Jesus you know what we do? We talk to Jesus you know what we do? We talk to Jesus about it. The Bible invites us to turn about it. The Bible invites us to turn about it. The Bible invites us to turn to God in prayer, to pray. The language to God in prayer, to pray. The language to God in prayer, to pray. The language of lament gives us a pathway for of lament gives us a pathway for of lament gives us a pathway for processing the tensions of believing processing the tensions of believing processing the tensions of believing that God is good while we live in a that God is good while we live in a that God is good while we live in a world that is filled with all kinds of world that is filled with all kinds of world that is filled with all kinds of pain. There are over 50 psalms that pain. There are over 50 psalms that pain. There are over 50 psalms that invite us to turn to Jesus, to talk to invite us to turn to Jesus, to talk to invite us to turn to Jesus, to talk to him, to tell him. And this is why the him, to tell him. And this is why the him, to tell him. And this is why the psalmist begins this way. He says, "Hear psalmist begins this way. He says, "Hear psalmist begins this way. He says, "Hear my prayer, O Lord. Let my cry come

my prayer, O Lord. Let my cry come my prayer, O Lord. Let my cry come before you." It's the psalmist saying to before you." It's the psalmist saying to before you." It's the psalmist saying to God, "Please listen to me." This is God, "Please listen to me." This is God, "Please listen to me." This is similar to what we read in Psalm 39:12. similar to what we read in Psalm 39:12. similar to what we read in Psalm 39:12. Hear my prayer, O Lord. Give ear to my Hear my prayer, O Lord. Give ear to my Hear my prayer, O Lord. Give ear to my cry. Hold not your peace from my tears. cry. Hold not your peace from my tears. cry. Hold not your peace from my tears. Listen, you know this to be true. It is Listen, you know this to be true. It is Listen, you know this to be true. It is one thing to be suffering and for it to one thing to be suffering and for it to one thing to be suffering and for it to be confusing. It is another for you to be confusing. It is another for you to be confusing. It is another for you to be ignored when you're in pain. be ignored when you're in pain. be ignored when you're in pain. It is one thing to have suffering be It is one thing to have suffering be It is one thing to have suffering be invasive. It's another to have people invasive. It's another to have people invasive. It's another to have people avoid the very topic. avoid the very topic. avoid the very topic. And what happens is that suffering And what happens is that suffering And what happens is that suffering creates a paradox where there's a creates a paradox where there's a creates a paradox where there's a longing to have your suffering longing to have your suffering longing to have your suffering recognized. And yet it's so hard to know recognized. And yet it's so hard to know recognized. And yet it's so hard to know what to say when somebody says, "How are what to say when somebody says, "How are what to say when somebody says, "How are you? you? you? And so what do we do with this? Well, we And so what do we do with this? Well, we And so what do we do with this? Well, we learn to lament because we can do all of learn to lament because we can do all of learn to lament because we can do all of this before the King of Kings and the this before the King of Kings and the this before the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. He gives us permission to Lord of Lords. He gives us permission to Lord of Lords. He gives us permission to pray through our tears, the confusion pray through our tears, the confusion pray through our tears, the confusion and the loneliness. And that's why verse and the loneliness. And that's why verse and the loneliness. And that's why verse one, plead with the Lord to hear his one, plead with the Lord to hear his one, plead with the Lord to hear his cry. He says, "Hear my prayer. Hear my cry. He says, "Hear my prayer. Hear my cry. He says, "Hear my prayer. Hear my cry." There's a there's an escalation in cry." There's a there's an escalation in cry." There's a there's an escalation in it. And in verse two, he says, "Do not it. And in verse two, he says, "Do not it. And in verse two, he says, "Do not hide your face from me in the day of my hide your face from me in the day of my hide your face from me in the day of my distress." The idea is he is fearful distress." The idea is he is fearful distress." The idea is he is fearful that God would somehow ignore him or that God would somehow ignore him or that God would somehow ignore him or reject him. Eugene Peterson says it this reject him. Eugene Peterson says it this reject him. Eugene Peterson says it this way. Do not turn your back on me just way. Do not turn your back on me just way. Do not turn your back on me just when I need you so desperately.

when I need you so desperately. when I need you so desperately. Suffering has a weird way of showing you Suffering has a weird way of showing you Suffering has a weird way of showing you who really cares for your soul. who really cares for your soul. who really cares for your soul. Suffering often doesn't even feel Suffering often doesn't even feel Suffering often doesn't even feel survivable. And then if you add survivable. And then if you add survivable. And then if you add isolation and abandonment in it, it's isolation and abandonment in it, it's isolation and abandonment in it, it's just absolutely terrible. Which is why just absolutely terrible. Which is why just absolutely terrible. Which is why the psalmist is inviting God to lean the psalmist is inviting God to lean the psalmist is inviting God to lean into his pain. He says, "Incline your into his pain. He says, "Incline your into his pain. He says, "Incline your ear to me. Answer me speedily in the day ear to me. Answer me speedily in the day ear to me. Answer me speedily in the day that I call." that I call." that I call." So the psalmist here is reaching out to So the psalmist here is reaching out to So the psalmist here is reaching out to God in the midst of his pain. And we'll God in the midst of his pain. And we'll God in the midst of his pain. And we'll see more about how he describes it. We see more about how he describes it. We see more about how he describes it. We don't know the exact circumstances, but don't know the exact circumstances, but don't know the exact circumstances, but what we do see and what we need to learn what we do see and what we need to learn what we do see and what we need to learn from the outset is that lament is a from the outset is that lament is a from the outset is that lament is a prayer. A prayer in pain that leads to prayer. A prayer in pain that leads to prayer. A prayer in pain that leads to trust. We talk to God about our sorrows. To be a lmentor is not to be faithless. To be a lmentor is not to be faithless. No. No. No. On the contrary, given the prominence of On the contrary, given the prominence of On the contrary, given the prominence of the Psalms and the laments within them, the Psalms and the laments within them, the Psalms and the laments within them, to lament well is an act of faith, to to lament well is an act of faith, to to lament well is an act of faith, to struggle, to question, to to talk to God struggle, to question, to to talk to God struggle, to question, to to talk to God about our emotions is part of what it about our emotions is part of what it about our emotions is part of what it means to be a Christian. After all, it's means to be a Christian. After all, it's means to be a Christian. After all, it's the martyrs in Revelation 6 who say, the martyrs in Revelation 6 who say, the martyrs in Revelation 6 who say, "How long, O Lord, and it is our savior "How long, O Lord, and it is our savior "How long, O Lord, and it is our savior who on the cross said,"My God, my God, who on the cross said,"My God, my God, who on the cross said,"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" He quoted a why have you forsaken me?" He quoted a why have you forsaken me?" He quoted a lament, Psalm 22.

lament, Psalm 22. lament, Psalm 22. Michael Card says that lament is one of Michael Card says that lament is one of Michael Card says that lament is one of the most deepest and most costly the most deepest and most costly the most deepest and most costly demonstrations of belief in God. demonstrations of belief in God. demonstrations of belief in God. Stacy Glattysmith writes this, "A lament Stacy Glattysmith writes this, "A lament Stacy Glattysmith writes this, "A lament honestly and specifically names a honestly and specifically names a honestly and specifically names a situation or a circumstance that is situation or a circumstance that is situation or a circumstance that is painful or wrong or unjust." In other painful or wrong or unjust." In other painful or wrong or unjust." In other words, a situation or circumstance that words, a situation or circumstance that words, a situation or circumstance that doesn't line up with what you know about doesn't line up with what you know about doesn't line up with what you know about God's character and therefore doesn't God's character and therefore doesn't God's character and therefore doesn't make sense in his kingdom. make sense in his kingdom. make sense in his kingdom. Lament is the cry of a hurting, Lament is the cry of a hurting, Lament is the cry of a hurting, confused, and yet faithfilled believing confused, and yet faithfilled believing confused, and yet faithfilled believing heart. It's an act of faith where we heart. It's an act of faith where we heart. It's an act of faith where we resist the temptation to stop talking to resist the temptation to stop talking to resist the temptation to stop talking to God because we are in pain or because we God because we are in pain or because we God because we are in pain or because we are sinfully angry or because we are are sinfully angry or because we are are sinfully angry or because we are disenchanted or disillusioned. disenchanted or disillusioned. disenchanted or disillusioned. Laments express what God already knows Laments express what God already knows Laments express what God already knows to be true about our hearts. And it's to be true about our hearts. And it's to be true about our hearts. And it's the way that we process our sorrow. It means we stop giving Jesus the silent It means we stop giving Jesus the silent treatment.

Is there anything that you've stopped Is there anything that you've stopped talking to God about? talking to God about? talking to God about? Any questions Any questions Any questions that you've not asked? Maybe part of the reason that you've Maybe part of the reason that you've given him the silent treatment is it's given him the silent treatment is it's given him the silent treatment is it's just exhausting. just exhausting. just exhausting. I get it. I get it. I get it. just start with Psalm 13 and read it out just start with Psalm 13 and read it out just start with Psalm 13 and read it out loud as your prayer. loud as your prayer. loud as your prayer. Or 49 of the other Psalms. Or maybe the Or 49 of the other Psalms. Or maybe the Or 49 of the other Psalms. Or maybe the reason you give him the silent treatment reason you give him the silent treatment reason you give him the silent treatment is you don't know exactly what to say. is you don't know exactly what to say. is you don't know exactly what to say. You can pray the Bible. You can pray the Bible. You can pray the Bible. Maybe you didn't know that you had Maybe you didn't know that you had Maybe you didn't know that you had permission to talk to God about the permission to talk to God about the permission to talk to God about the sorrows of your heart. Or sorrows of your heart. Or sorrows of your heart. Or maybe you've been burned. maybe you've been burned. maybe you've been burned. One of the things that we experienced is One of the things that we experienced is One of the things that we experienced is that that that people in the church, myself included, people in the church, myself included, people in the church, myself included, aren't really good at helping grieving aren't really good at helping grieving aren't really good at helping grieving people. We say really unhelpful things.

people. We say really unhelpful things. people. We say really unhelpful things. We don't we don't know how to help We don't we don't know how to help We don't we don't know how to help people who are grieving. We people who are grieving. We people who are grieving. We we jump in when we we jump in when we we jump in when we need to wait. When my wife and I were newly married, When my wife and I were newly married, there was a day when I came home from there was a day when I came home from there was a day when I came home from the church and she was sitting on the the church and she was sitting on the the church and she was sitting on the couch and she was quite sad. This was couch and she was quite sad. This was couch and she was quite sad. This was way before the still birth of our way before the still birth of our way before the still birth of our daughter. And I um I learned an daughter. And I um I learned an daughter. And I um I learned an important lesson in this moment. I sat important lesson in this moment. I sat important lesson in this moment. I sat next to her and I said, "Sarah, clearly next to her and I said, "Sarah, clearly next to her and I said, "Sarah, clearly your burden. Tell me what's going on." your burden. Tell me what's going on." your burden. Tell me what's going on." So, she started to unpack just the So, she started to unpack just the So, she started to unpack just the troubles of the day. And before she got, troubles of the day. And before she got, troubles of the day. And before she got, I don't know, like two and a half I don't know, like two and a half I don't know, like two and a half minutes in, I was like, "Oh, I know what minutes in, I was like, "Oh, I know what minutes in, I was like, "Oh, I know what we need to do here." And um so I we need to do here." And um so I we need to do here." And um so I interrupted her and I just said, "Wait, interrupted her and I just said, "Wait, interrupted her and I just said, "Wait, wait, wait, wait. Here's what you need wait, wait, wait. Here's what you need wait, wait, wait. Here's what you need to do." And then she looked at me and I to do." And then she looked at me and I to do." And then she looked at me and I had this sinking feeling like, "Oh no." had this sinking feeling like, "Oh no." had this sinking feeling like, "Oh no." And I said, "Wait, what's wrong?" And And I said, "Wait, what's wrong?" And And I said, "Wait, what's wrong?" And then she said this, "Who are you right then she said this, "Who are you right then she said this, "Who are you right now?"

now?" now?" And I was like, "Um, And I was like, "Um, And I was like, "Um, I'm your husband." I'm your husband." I'm your husband." She said, "No, who who are you right She said, "No, who who are you right She said, "No, who who are you right now?" And then then I knew, "Oh, this is now?" And then then I knew, "Oh, this is now?" And then then I knew, "Oh, this is not going well." And I and I said, "Who not going well." And I and I said, "Who not going well." And I and I said, "Who would you like me to be?" would you like me to be?" would you like me to be?" And she said, "The other husband." And she said, "The other husband." And she said, "The other husband." And then I realized, all right, said, And then I realized, all right, said, And then I realized, all right, said, "So if he was here, what would he be "So if he was here, what would he be "So if he was here, what would he be doing right now?" And she said, "Well, doing right now?" And she said, "Well, doing right now?" And she said, "Well, he wouldn't be talking." he wouldn't be talking." he wouldn't be talking." And I said, "This is a true story." I And I said, "This is a true story." I And I said, "This is a true story." I said, "Let me go get him." And so I said, "Let me go get him." And so I said, "Let me go get him." And so I walked out walked out walked out and I came back and we literally and I came back and we literally and I came back and we literally replayed the conversation over. replayed the conversation over. replayed the conversation over. I've only done that once. No, that was I've only done that once. No, that was I've only done that once. No, that was many times. many times. many times. If I was to write a follow-up book to If I was to write a follow-up book to If I was to write a follow-up book to Dark Clouds Deep Mercy about how to help Dark Clouds Deep Mercy about how to help Dark Clouds Deep Mercy about how to help your friends when they're grieving, the your friends when they're grieving, the your friends when they're grieving, the title of my book would be stop talking.

stop talking. Just Just Just be there. be there. be there. I have no doubt that there are several I have no doubt that there are several I have no doubt that there are several of you of you of you who have stopped talking to God. who have stopped talking to God. who have stopped talking to God. And I want to invite you to dare to hope And I want to invite you to dare to hope And I want to invite you to dare to hope again and start again and start again and start opening your heart to the possibility opening your heart to the possibility opening your heart to the possibility that Jesus can help you if you'll start that Jesus can help you if you'll start that Jesus can help you if you'll start talking to him. He invites you through talking to him. He invites you through talking to him. He invites you through the laments. I hope you'll be encouraged to start I hope you'll be encouraged to start talking to him again about the sorrows talking to him again about the sorrows talking to him again about the sorrows of your soul. I hope you'll read the of your soul. I hope you'll read the of your soul. I hope you'll read the lament psalms and realize how much your lament psalms and realize how much your lament psalms and realize how much your words are there right in the Bible. I think of the himmwriter who said, 'I I think of the himmwriter who said, 'I must tell Jesus all of my trials. I must tell Jesus all of my trials. I must tell Jesus all of my trials. I cannot bear these burdens alone. In my cannot bear these burdens alone. In my cannot bear these burdens alone. In my distress, he kindly will help me. He distress, he kindly will help me. He distress, he kindly will help me. He ever loves me and cares for his own. I ever loves me and cares for his own. I ever loves me and cares for his own. I must tell Jesus. I must tell Jesus. I must tell Jesus. I must tell Jesus. I must tell Jesus. I must tell Jesus. I cannot bear my burdens alone.

So the first thing we see in this text So the first thing we see in this text is that we is that we is that we we talk to Jesus. We turn to him in our we talk to Jesus. We turn to him in our we talk to Jesus. We turn to him in our sorrow and in our pain. We don't allow sorrow and in our pain. We don't allow sorrow and in our pain. We don't allow it to give him the silent treatment. it to give him the silent treatment. it to give him the silent treatment. Instead, we we open our hearts to him. Instead, we we open our hearts to him. Instead, we we open our hearts to him. And then the question now is okay. So, And then the question now is okay. So, And then the question now is okay. So, secondly, what do we do? And the answer secondly, what do we do? And the answer secondly, what do we do? And the answer is we tell Jesus about our pain. is we tell Jesus about our pain. is we tell Jesus about our pain. This is the longest portion of the This is the longest portion of the This is the longest portion of the psalm, verses 3- 11. It's a vivid psalm, verses 3- 11. It's a vivid psalm, verses 3- 11. It's a vivid description of the pain that the description of the pain that the description of the pain that the psalmist is experiencing. psalmist is experiencing. psalmist is experiencing. and 10 verses out of the 28 capture the and 10 verses out of the 28 capture the and 10 verses out of the 28 capture the anguish of his soul. He pours out his anguish of his soul. He pours out his anguish of his soul. He pours out his complaint before the Lord. So, we're complaint before the Lord. So, we're complaint before the Lord. So, we're going to hear a lot of pain. Now, before going to hear a lot of pain. Now, before going to hear a lot of pain. Now, before we get into this, there's biblical we get into this, there's biblical we get into this, there's biblical complaint and there's sinful complaint. complaint and there's sinful complaint. complaint and there's sinful complaint. Sinful complaint is when you come to God Sinful complaint is when you come to God Sinful complaint is when you come to God with a demanding attitude like, "How with a demanding attitude like, "How with a demanding attitude like, "How dare you hurt me? You owed me a good dare you hurt me? You owed me a good dare you hurt me? You owed me a good life. This wasn't the deal. You better life. This wasn't the deal. You better life. This wasn't the deal. You better fix this.

fix this. fix this. That's not lament. That's sin. And it That's not lament. That's sin. And it That's not lament. That's sin. And it should be repented of quickly. Biblical should be repented of quickly. Biblical should be repented of quickly. Biblical complaint is different. Biblical complaint is different. Biblical complaint is different. Biblical complaint is simply laying before the complaint is simply laying before the complaint is simply laying before the Lord the reality of living in a broken Lord the reality of living in a broken Lord the reality of living in a broken world and acknowledging how hard and world and acknowledging how hard and world and acknowledging how hard and painful it can be. Honest, humble, pain-filled complaints Honest, humble, pain-filled complaints offered to God are part of what it means offered to God are part of what it means offered to God are part of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. And the book to be a follower of Jesus. And the book to be a follower of Jesus. And the book of Psalms in particular is full of them. of Psalms in particular is full of them. of Psalms in particular is full of them. Look at verse three where it begins, Look at verse three where it begins, Look at verse three where it begins, "For my days pass away like smoke and my "For my days pass away like smoke and my "For my days pass away like smoke and my bones like they burn like a furnace." bones like they burn like a furnace." bones like they burn like a furnace." His It feels like his life is fleeting His It feels like his life is fleeting His It feels like his life is fleeting like it passes away like smoke. like it passes away like smoke. like it passes away like smoke. I remember driving home, I remember driving home, I remember driving home, learning that our daughter in Udo had learning that our daughter in Udo had learning that our daughter in Udo had passed away and realizing everything has passed away and realizing everything has passed away and realizing everything has changed right now. changed right now. changed right now. everything everything everything and life can pivot so quickly. Life and life can pivot so quickly. Life and life can pivot so quickly. Life feels like passing smoke. His his body feels like passing smoke. His his body feels like passing smoke. His his body is burning. Perhaps a fever or just some is burning. Perhaps a fever or just some is burning. Perhaps a fever or just some raging sense of uncomfortability. In raging sense of uncomfortability. In raging sense of uncomfortability. In verse four, he's discouraged. My heart verse four, he's discouraged. My heart verse four, he's discouraged. My heart is struck down like grass and has is struck down like grass and has is struck down like grass and has withered. I forget to eat my bread. He's withered. I forget to eat my bread. He's withered. I forget to eat my bread. He's not eating. He's not He's not hungry.

not eating. He's not He's not hungry. not eating. He's not He's not hungry. And those of you who've experienced And those of you who've experienced And those of you who've experienced grief, you know, yeah, this is what it grief, you know, yeah, this is what it grief, you know, yeah, this is what it feels like. There's no appetite. Verse feels like. There's no appetite. Verse feels like. There's no appetite. Verse 5, because of my loud groaning, my bones 5, because of my loud groaning, my bones 5, because of my loud groaning, my bones cling to my flesh. He's losing weight. cling to my flesh. He's losing weight. cling to my flesh. He's losing weight. There's physiological effects of grief. There's physiological effects of grief. There's physiological effects of grief. In verse six, I am like a desert owl of In verse six, I am like a desert owl of In verse six, I am like a desert owl of the wilderness, like an owl of the waste the wilderness, like an owl of the waste the wilderness, like an owl of the waste places. So in Indiana, we have morning places. So in Indiana, we have morning places. So in Indiana, we have morning doves and they sit on top of houses. And doves and they sit on top of houses. And doves and they sit on top of houses. And in the morning, they have this this in the morning, they have this this in the morning, they have this this sound that they make, and they're always sound that they make, and they're always sound that they make, and they're always there by themselves. And the psalmist is there by themselves. And the psalmist is there by themselves. And the psalmist is saying, "I'm like this bird on a saying, "I'm like this bird on a saying, "I'm like this bird on a housetop." And I feel isolated. Some of housetop." And I feel isolated. Some of housetop." And I feel isolated. Some of you know what this is like not to be all you know what this is like not to be all you know what this is like not to be all by yourself, but to be in a large room, by yourself, but to be in a large room, by yourself, but to be in a large room, maybe Sunday morning services, or maybe maybe Sunday morning services, or maybe maybe Sunday morning services, or maybe in this room, and one of the loneliest in this room, and one of the loneliest in this room, and one of the loneliest places you can be is in a crowd of places you can be is in a crowd of places you can be is in a crowd of people with a deep burden, and you just people with a deep burden, and you just people with a deep burden, and you just feel like nobody understands. feel like nobody understands. feel like nobody understands. or as the people around you are singing or as the people around you are singing or as the people around you are singing and worshiping and experiencing the and worshiping and experiencing the and worshiping and experiencing the beautiful triumph of Jesus, all of what beautiful triumph of Jesus, all of what beautiful triumph of Jesus, all of what you believe in that moment, it's hard you believe in that moment, it's hard you believe in that moment, it's hard for you to engage in worship because for you to engage in worship because for you to engage in worship because your heart is just wrestling with how do your heart is just wrestling with how do your heart is just wrestling with how do I make it?

I make it? I make it? His grief doesn't feel sustainable. It's His grief doesn't feel sustainable. It's His grief doesn't feel sustainable. It's isolating. Verse seven, I lie awake isolating. Verse seven, I lie awake isolating. Verse seven, I lie awake again. I'm like a lonely sparrow on the again. I'm like a lonely sparrow on the again. I'm like a lonely sparrow on the housetop. So, he can't sleep. C. Can you housetop. So, he can't sleep. C. Can you housetop. So, he can't sleep. C. Can you relate to this? For some of you, this is relate to this? For some of you, this is relate to this? For some of you, this is the first time you've ever seen this the first time you've ever seen this the first time you've ever seen this kind of language in the Bible. And it's kind of language in the Bible. And it's kind of language in the Bible. And it's like God is just describing your world. like God is just describing your world. like God is just describing your world. I just want you to know God sees you. He I just want you to know God sees you. He I just want you to know God sees you. He loves you. He knows you. And your loves you. He knows you. And your loves you. He knows you. And your experience is not just isolated to you. experience is not just isolated to you. experience is not just isolated to you. There are all kinds of people who know There are all kinds of people who know There are all kinds of people who know exactly what it's like to walk that hard exactly what it's like to walk that hard exactly what it's like to walk that hard path. And there are inspired words in path. And there are inspired words in path. And there are inspired words in your Bible to help you know you can talk your Bible to help you know you can talk your Bible to help you know you can talk to Jesus about this. to Jesus about this. to Jesus about this. The trouble is is the culture of so many The trouble is is the culture of so many The trouble is is the culture of so many of our churches is that grieving people of our churches is that grieving people of our churches is that grieving people don't really have a space. As a result, don't really have a space. As a result, don't really have a space. As a result, I've seen so many people who fall into I've seen so many people who fall into I've seen so many people who fall into the ditch of denial or despair. They the ditch of denial or despair. They the ditch of denial or despair. They they come to church and people ask them, they come to church and people ask them, they come to church and people ask them, "How are you?" And they think real "How are you?" And they think real "How are you?" And they think real Christians just deny the reality of how Christians just deny the reality of how Christians just deny the reality of how hard it is. they they they slap a Bible hard it is. they they they slap a Bible hard it is. they they they slap a Bible verse on their pain and they they kind verse on their pain and they they kind verse on their pain and they they kind of paper over it cuz they think that of paper over it cuz they think that of paper over it cuz they think that real Christians just fake it till they real Christians just fake it till they real Christians just fake it till they make it. Or on the other hand, there is make it. Or on the other hand, there is make it. Or on the other hand, there is this ditch of despair where someone this ditch of despair where someone this ditch of despair where someone who's struggling with these questions who's struggling with these questions who's struggling with these questions and wrestling with the contours of and wrestling with the contours of and wrestling with the contours of grief, feeling so alone and isolated, grief, feeling so alone and isolated, grief, feeling so alone and isolated, they begin to wonder, if I think like they begin to wonder, if I think like they begin to wonder, if I think like this and I'm struggling like this, am I this and I'm struggling like this, am I this and I'm struggling like this, am I even really a Christian?

even really a Christian? even really a Christian? And yet the book of Psalms have words And yet the book of Psalms have words And yet the book of Psalms have words that sound just like you? And so lament that sound just like you? And so lament that sound just like you? And so lament is this beautiful language that invites is this beautiful language that invites is this beautiful language that invites us to talk to God about our sorrows. Now us to talk to God about our sorrows. Now us to talk to God about our sorrows. Now some of you are thinking in the back of some of you are thinking in the back of some of you are thinking in the back of your head, wait a minute, doesn't the your head, wait a minute, doesn't the your head, wait a minute, doesn't the Bible say we are to rejoice always? Yes, Bible say we are to rejoice always? Yes, Bible say we are to rejoice always? Yes, it does. And I'm not arguing that the it does. And I'm not arguing that the it does. And I'm not arguing that the Bible calls us to rejoice are always. Bible calls us to rejoice are always. Bible calls us to rejoice are always. But what I'm suggesting is how do you But what I'm suggesting is how do you But what I'm suggesting is how do you get there? get there? get there? Lament is the means by which you get to Lament is the means by which you get to Lament is the means by which you get to a point that you can confess the a point that you can confess the a point that you can confess the goodness of the Lord. Again, a prayer in goodness of the Lord. Again, a prayer in goodness of the Lord. Again, a prayer in pain that leads to trust. Look at verse pain that leads to trust. Look at verse pain that leads to trust. Look at verse 8. There's more. All the day my enemies 8. There's more. All the day my enemies 8. There's more. All the day my enemies taunt me. Those who deride me use my taunt me. Those who deride me use my taunt me. Those who deride me use my name for a curse. Other people are name for a curse. Other people are name for a curse. Other people are making it worse. making it worse. making it worse. Verse 9. Verse 9. Verse 9. For I eat ashes like bread and mingle For I eat ashes like bread and mingle For I eat ashes like bread and mingle tears with my drink. He's literally tears with my drink. He's literally tears with my drink. He's literally eating. And it feels like he's eating eating. And it feels like he's eating eating. And it feels like he's eating ashes and sorrow just comes out of ashes and sorrow just comes out of ashes and sorrow just comes out of nowhere. And suddenly he's crying.

nowhere. And suddenly he's crying. nowhere. And suddenly he's crying. Man, that sounds like my world. Man, that sounds like my world. Man, that sounds like my world. Sounds like a lot of grieving people Sounds like a lot of grieving people Sounds like a lot of grieving people that I know. that I know. that I know. Verse 10. Because of your indignation Verse 10. Because of your indignation Verse 10. Because of your indignation and anger, you have taken me up and and anger, you have taken me up and and anger, you have taken me up and thrown me down. He's worried that thrown me down. He's worried that thrown me down. He's worried that there's a barrier between him and his there's a barrier between him and his there's a barrier between him and his God. And the roller coaster ride of God. And the roller coaster ride of God. And the roller coaster ride of grief has been so real and traumatic. grief has been so real and traumatic. grief has been so real and traumatic. and verse 11. My days are like an and verse 11. My days are like an and verse 11. My days are like an evening shadow and I wither away like evening shadow and I wither away like evening shadow and I wither away like grass. grass. grass. Wow. Wow. Wow. Skip ahead to verses 23 and 24 because Skip ahead to verses 23 and 24 because Skip ahead to verses 23 and 24 because here's the other aspect of here's the other aspect of here's the other aspect of talking to Jesus about our pain. He has talking to Jesus about our pain. He has talking to Jesus about our pain. He has broken my strength in midcourse. He has broken my strength in midcourse. He has broken my strength in midcourse. He has shortened my days. Oh my God, I say take shortened my days. Oh my God, I say take shortened my days. Oh my God, I say take me not away in the midst of my days. You me not away in the midst of my days. You me not away in the midst of my days. You whose years endure throughout all whose years endure throughout all whose years endure throughout all generations. I remembered saying to my generations. I remembered saying to my generations. I remembered saying to my wife one time, I don't know, this wife one time, I don't know, this wife one time, I don't know, this doesn't feel survivable, like this level doesn't feel survivable, like this level doesn't feel survivable, like this level of pain. And that's what's so of pain. And that's what's so of pain. And that's what's so frightening about sorrow or grief, frightening about sorrow or grief, frightening about sorrow or grief, whether it's intense or long term, it's whether it's intense or long term, it's whether it's intense or long term, it's a frightening reality of a frightening reality of a frightening reality of how in the world how in the world how in the world are we going to make it? And I'm here to are we going to make it? And I'm here to are we going to make it? And I'm here to tell you, one of the ways that you make tell you, one of the ways that you make tell you, one of the ways that you make it is by understanding and practicing it is by understanding and practicing it is by understanding and practicing the language of lament. What I want you the language of lament. What I want you the language of lament. What I want you to know, ladies, is that to lament is to know, ladies, is that to lament is to know, ladies, is that to lament is one of the most theologically informed one of the most theologically informed one of the most theologically informed things that you can do.

things that you can do. things that you can do. Why do I say that? Why do I say that? Why do I say that? Well, listen to what Todd Billings Well, listen to what Todd Billings Well, listen to what Todd Billings writes. If a person did not believe that writes. If a person did not believe that writes. If a person did not believe that God was sovereign, there would be no God was sovereign, there would be no God was sovereign, there would be no cause for lament. cause for lament. cause for lament. Let me read that again. If a person did Let me read that again. If a person did Let me read that again. If a person did not believe that God was sovereign, not believe that God was sovereign, not believe that God was sovereign, there would be no cause for lament. It there would be no cause for lament. It there would be no cause for lament. It is precisely out of a trust that God is is precisely out of a trust that God is is precisely out of a trust that God is sovereign, that the psalmist repeatedly sovereign, that the psalmist repeatedly sovereign, that the psalmist repeatedly brings his laments and petitions to the brings his laments and petitions to the brings his laments and petitions to the Lord. If the psalmist had already Lord. If the psalmist had already Lord. If the psalmist had already decided the verdict that God is indeed decided the verdict that God is indeed decided the verdict that God is indeed unfaithful, there would be no reason to unfaithful, there would be no reason to unfaithful, there would be no reason to lament. lament. lament. It's because I believe God is sovereign. It's because I believe God is sovereign. It's because I believe God is sovereign. It's because I believe that he's good It's because I believe that he's good It's because I believe that he's good that I come to him and say, "God, I know that I come to him and say, "God, I know that I come to him and say, "God, I know you're trustworthy. I know you're good. you're trustworthy. I know you're good. you're trustworthy. I know you're good. I know you're righteous. I know you're righteous. I know you're righteous. How do I do this? God, help me hold How do I do this? God, help me hold How do I do this? God, help me hold these two things in tension instead of these two things in tension instead of these two things in tension instead of trying to reconcile them or paper over trying to reconcile them or paper over trying to reconcile them or paper over them or give them explanations that them or give them explanations that them or give them explanations that don't hold weight. Just help me to hold don't hold weight. Just help me to hold don't hold weight. Just help me to hold the tension of God. Hard is not bad the tension of God. Hard is not bad the tension of God. Hard is not bad according to Romans 8. But hard is hard according to Romans 8. But hard is hard according to Romans 8. But hard is hard and lament helps you to hold those two and lament helps you to hold those two and lament helps you to hold those two things in tension things in tension things in tension in our life. I wish the still birth was in our life. I wish the still birth was in our life. I wish the still birth was the end of the the story in terms of our the end of the the story in terms of our the end of the the story in terms of our pain. But there were multiple pain. But there were multiple pain. But there were multiple miscarriages after that. It just felt miscarriages after that. It just felt miscarriages after that. It just felt like our sorrow kept going over going on like our sorrow kept going over going on like our sorrow kept going over going on and on and repeated over and over and and on and repeated over and over and and on and repeated over and over and over. And then finally there was a over. And then finally there was a over. And then finally there was a moment where we we got a positive uh moment where we we got a positive uh moment where we we got a positive uh pregnancy report, an initial blood work

pregnancy report, an initial blood work pregnancy report, an initial blood work that said the numbers were going up. So that said the numbers were going up. So that said the numbers were going up. So we went to our doctor's office to have we went to our doctor's office to have we went to our doctor's office to have this whole season of our life concluded this whole season of our life concluded this whole season of our life concluded like it was going to be over. Book like it was going to be over. Book like it was going to be over. Book ended. we're done. And we were going to ended. we're done. And we were going to ended. we're done. And we were going to hear that heartbeat. We were going to hear that heartbeat. We were going to hear that heartbeat. We were going to see the image on the ultrasound. We go see the image on the ultrasound. We go see the image on the ultrasound. We go into the same doctor's office, same into the same doctor's office, same into the same doctor's office, same ultrasound room, puts the same wand on ultrasound room, puts the same wand on ultrasound room, puts the same wand on my wife's womb, and an ashen look comes my wife's womb, and an ashen look comes my wife's womb, and an ashen look comes over his face. And my wife said to him, over his face. And my wife said to him, over his face. And my wife said to him, "What?" "What?" "What?" And he said, "I don't I I don't know how And he said, "I don't I I don't know how And he said, "I don't I I don't know how to tell you this, but to tell you this, but to tell you this, but you have a blighted OAM." Like, what's you have a blighted OAM." Like, what's you have a blighted OAM." Like, what's that? that? that? He said, "You have a home for a baby, He said, "You have a home for a baby, He said, "You have a home for a baby, but there's no baby." Basically, you but there's no baby." Basically, you but there's no baby." Basically, you caught a miscarriage early. caught a miscarriage early. caught a miscarriage early. And I'm like, "God, are you serious? And I'm like, "God, are you serious? And I'm like, "God, are you serious? You mean You mean You mean a still birth, a funeral, our kids, the a still birth, a funeral, our kids, the a still birth, a funeral, our kids, the highs and lows? We just started hoping. highs and lows? We just started hoping. highs and lows? We just started hoping. And now this."

And now this." And now this." We go out to the parking lot. We get in We go out to the parking lot. We get in We go out to the parking lot. We get in the car. We close the door. I took my the car. We close the door. I took my the car. We close the door. I took my wife and I said, "Honey, do you do you wife and I said, "Honey, do you do you wife and I said, "Honey, do you do you think you can pray?" think you can pray?" think you can pray?" And she said, "I'll try." And she said, "I'll try." And she said, "I'll try." I'll never forget what she prayed. I'll never forget what she prayed. I'll never forget what she prayed. God, God, God, I know you're not mean, I know you're not mean, I know you're not mean, but it feels like it today. but it feels like it today. but it feels like it today. What is she doing in that moment? She's What is she doing in that moment? She's What is she doing in that moment? She's holding two things at the same time. I holding two things at the same time. I holding two things at the same time. I know. I know. I know. I know. I know know. I know. I know. I know. I know know. I know. I know. I know. I know you're not mean. You are not mean. You you're not mean. You are not mean. You you're not mean. You are not mean. You are not mean. You are not me but oblated are not mean. You are not me but oblated are not mean. You are not me but oblated Oam after multiple miscarriages and a Oam after multiple miscarriages and a Oam after multiple miscarriages and a stillbirth. Are you serious God? How do stillbirth. Are you serious God? How do stillbirth. Are you serious God? How do we how do we how do we do this? How do we how do we how do we do this? How do we how do we how do we do this? How do we do this? It's because we believe in God's It's because we believe in God's sovereignty. It's because we believe in sovereignty. It's because we believe in sovereignty. It's because we believe in his goodness that there are tensions and his goodness that there are tensions and his goodness that there are tensions and struggles in the context of our lives. struggles in the context of our lives. struggles in the context of our lives. In that moment, my wife is trying to In that moment, my wife is trying to In that moment, my wife is trying to hold two things together. What she hold two things together. What she hold two things together. What she believes and how life is hard. And you believes and how life is hard. And you believes and how life is hard. And you will find that all over the Psalms.

I trust that you know that there are I trust that you know that there are things that you know aren't true, but things that you know aren't true, but things that you know aren't true, but they feel true. they feel true. they feel true. What do you do with those? What do you do with those? What do you do with those? You lament them. You talk to God about You lament them. You talk to God about You lament them. You talk to God about them. You put them through the process, them. You put them through the process, them. You put them through the process, the rigor of a prayer and pain that the rigor of a prayer and pain that the rigor of a prayer and pain that leads to trust. leads to trust. leads to trust. I love William Cooper's hymn. He says I love William Cooper's hymn. He says I love William Cooper's hymn. He says this, "God moves in a mysterious way, this, "God moves in a mysterious way, this, "God moves in a mysterious way, his wonders to perform. He plants his his wonders to perform. He plants his his wonders to perform. He plants his footsteps on the sea and rides upon the footsteps on the sea and rides upon the footsteps on the sea and rides upon the storm. Deep in unfathomable minds of storm. Deep in unfathomable minds of storm. Deep in unfathomable minds of never failing skill, he fashions up his never failing skill, he fashions up his never failing skill, he fashions up his bright designs and works his sovereign bright designs and works his sovereign bright designs and works his sovereign will. Ye fearful saints, fresh courage, will. Ye fearful saints, fresh courage, will. Ye fearful saints, fresh courage, take. The clouds you so much dread are take. The clouds you so much dread are take. The clouds you so much dread are big with mercy and will break with big with mercy and will break with big with mercy and will break with blessing on your head." blessing on your head." blessing on your head." I love that because he acknowledges the I love that because he acknowledges the I love that because he acknowledges the clouds are real and they're also big clouds are real and they're also big clouds are real and they're also big with mercy. 22 [snorts] years later from that moment 22 [snorts] years later from that moment I can tell you that God has proven I can tell you that God has proven I can tell you that God has proven himself to be faithful over and over and himself to be faithful over and over and himself to be faithful over and over and over. There is a 20 yearear-old daughter over. There is a 20 yearear-old daughter over. There is a 20 yearear-old daughter who will be here tomorrow who will be here tomorrow who will be here tomorrow who God kindly gave us after the loss of who God kindly gave us after the loss of who God kindly gave us after the loss of our stillborn daughter.

our stillborn daughter. our stillborn daughter. And it is remarkable to be able to trace And it is remarkable to be able to trace And it is remarkable to be able to trace the handiwork of God after two decades. the handiwork of God after two decades. the handiwork of God after two decades. But I will tell you that journey was But I will tell you that journey was But I will tell you that journey was hard and long and good and glorious. So we are to turn to Jesus in our pain. So we are to turn to Jesus in our pain. We are to trust. We are to tell Jesus We are to trust. We are to tell Jesus We are to trust. We are to tell Jesus our pain. Third, we are to trust Jesus our pain. Third, we are to trust Jesus our pain. Third, we are to trust Jesus in our pain. I want to be clear about in our pain. I want to be clear about in our pain. I want to be clear about something. Laments are not meant to be something. Laments are not meant to be something. Laments are not meant to be culde-sacs for pain. culde-sacs for pain. culde-sacs for pain. They're not meant to be culde-sacs. They're not meant to be culde-sacs. They're not meant to be culde-sacs. Laments are meant to be conduits. Laments are meant to be conduits. Laments are meant to be conduits. They're meant to move you through They're meant to move you through They're meant to move you through something. Let me caution you. You can something. Let me caution you. You can something. Let me caution you. You can have something bad happen to you and have something bad happen to you and have something bad happen to you and that thing becomes your the thing. You that thing becomes your the thing. You that thing becomes your the thing. You know what I mean by that? Like it know what I mean by that? Like it know what I mean by that? Like it doesn't just become something bad that doesn't just become something bad that doesn't just become something bad that happens. It becomes your identity. happens. It becomes your identity. happens. It becomes your identity. Everything about your life now circles Everything about your life now circles Everything about your life now circles around this pain. And in our present around this pain. And in our present around this pain. And in our present cultural moment, you can get a lot of cultural moment, you can get a lot of cultural moment, you can get a lot of cultural cache and power and authority cultural cache and power and authority cultural cache and power and authority by just staying in that pain forever.

by just staying in that pain forever. by just staying in that pain forever. And it is not what God intends. He And it is not what God intends. He And it is not what God intends. He intends lament to be the means by which intends lament to be the means by which intends lament to be the means by which you move through that pain. Not a you move through that pain. Not a you move through that pain. Not a culde-sac but a conduit for pain because culde-sac but a conduit for pain because culde-sac but a conduit for pain because laments are designed to lead us to laments are designed to lead us to laments are designed to lead us to trust. If you don't get to trust, you trust. If you don't get to trust, you trust. If you don't get to trust, you haven't actually lamented. Laments are haven't actually lamented. Laments are haven't actually lamented. Laments are the means by which we process the the means by which we process the the means by which we process the hardships of life and then we recommmit. hardships of life and then we recommmit. hardships of life and then we recommmit. I know he's good. I know he's good. And I know he's good. I know he's good. And I know he's good. I know he's good. And we see this big pivot in verse 12. we see this big pivot in verse 12. we see this big pivot in verse 12. Notice the first verse, the first word Notice the first verse, the first word Notice the first verse, the first word rather of verse 12 is, "But rather of verse 12 is, "But rather of verse 12 is, "But you, oh Lord, you, oh Lord, you, oh Lord, are enthroned forever." So all of this are enthroned forever." So all of this are enthroned forever." So all of this hardship is true. I've got tears over my hardship is true. I've got tears over my hardship is true. I've got tears over my drink. My bread feels like ashes. I'm drink. My bread feels like ashes. I'm drink. My bread feels like ashes. I'm like withered grass. I feel like a like withered grass. I feel like a like withered grass. I feel like a lonely sparrow. I'm an isolated owl. All lonely sparrow. I'm an isolated owl. All lonely sparrow. I'm an isolated owl. All of that is true. But you are enthroned of that is true. But you are enthroned of that is true. But you are enthroned forever. Do you know that the Bible is forever. Do you know that the Bible is forever. Do you know that the Bible is filled with that kind of pivot?

filled with that kind of pivot? filled with that kind of pivot? Joseph [music] in Genesis 50, you meant Joseph [music] in Genesis 50, you meant Joseph [music] in Genesis 50, you meant it for evil, but God meant it for good. it for evil, but God meant it for good. it for evil, but God meant it for good. As in Psalm 73, my heart and my flesh As in Psalm 73, my heart and my flesh As in Psalm 73, my heart and my flesh fail, but God is the strength of my fail, but God is the strength of my fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion. David in Psalm 30, heart and my portion. David in Psalm 30, heart and my portion. David in Psalm 30, weeping may tarry for the night, but joy weeping may tarry for the night, but joy weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes in the morning. Lamentations 3. I comes in the morning. Lamentations 3. I comes in the morning. Lamentations 3. I will never forget this awful time as I will never forget this awful time as I will never forget this awful time as I grieve my loss. But I will still dare to grieve my loss. But I will still dare to grieve my loss. But I will still dare to hope when I remember this. The faithful hope when I remember this. The faithful hope when I remember this. The faithful love of the Lord never ceases. His love of the Lord never ceases. His love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. Great is mercies never come to an end. Great is mercies never come to an end. Great is his faithfulness. It's Jesus in John 16 his faithfulness. It's Jesus in John 16 his faithfulness. It's Jesus in John 16 saying, "In this world, you will have saying, "In this world, you will have saying, "In this world, you will have tribulation, but take heart. I have tribulation, but take heart. I have tribulation, but take heart. I have overcome the world." It is Paul in overcome the world." It is Paul in overcome the world." It is Paul in Ephesians who says, "But God being rich Ephesians who says, "But God being rich Ephesians who says, "But God being rich in his mercy because of his great love in his mercy because of his great love in his mercy because of his great love with which he loved us even when we were with which he loved us even when we were with which he loved us even when we were dead in our trespasses made us alive dead in our trespasses made us alive dead in our trespasses made us alive together with Christ." And it is the together with Christ." And it is the together with Christ." And it is the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 4 who just Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 4 who just Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 4 who just strings together a list of pains and strings together a list of pains and strings together a list of pains and beautiful promises when he says this. We beautiful promises when he says this. We beautiful promises when he says this. We are afflicted in every way but not are afflicted in every way but not are afflicted in every way but not crushed. We are perplexed but not driven crushed. We are perplexed but not driven crushed. We are perplexed but not driven despair. We are persecuted but not despair. We are persecuted but not despair. We are persecuted but not forsaken. We are struck down but not forsaken. We are struck down but not forsaken. We are struck down but not destroyed.

destroyed. destroyed. Can I just tell you Can I just tell you Can I just tell you that through Christ, God has made it that through Christ, God has made it that through Christ, God has made it possible for us to realize the pivot possible for us to realize the pivot possible for us to realize the pivot that exists. I trust you know that God that exists. I trust you know that God that exists. I trust you know that God is a miracle worker on these pivot is a miracle worker on these pivot is a miracle worker on these pivot moments. And I hope that you know this moments. And I hope that you know this moments. And I hope that you know this day, no matter what's happened to you, day, no matter what's happened to you, day, no matter what's happened to you, that just because you can't see the plan that just because you can't see the plan that just because you can't see the plan doesn't mean there isn't a plan. doesn't mean there isn't a plan. doesn't mean there isn't a plan. Just because you don't know the plan Just because you don't know the plan Just because you don't know the plan doesn't mean that it's not a perfect doesn't mean that it's not a perfect doesn't mean that it's not a perfect plan. And the Psalms and the entire New plan. And the Psalms and the entire New plan. And the Psalms and the entire New Testament help us to see this. Verse 13, Testament help us to see this. Verse 13, Testament help us to see this. Verse 13, he says, "You will arise and have pity he says, "You will arise and have pity he says, "You will arise and have pity on Zion." Verse 14, "Your servants hold on Zion." Verse 14, "Your servants hold on Zion." Verse 14, "Your servants hold her stones dear and have pity on her her stones dear and have pity on her her stones dear and have pity on her dust." Verse 15, "Nations will fear the dust." Verse 15, "Nations will fear the dust." Verse 15, "Nations will fear the name of the Lord, and all the kings of name of the Lord, and all the kings of name of the Lord, and all the kings of the earth will fear your glory." There's the earth will fear your glory." There's the earth will fear your glory." There's even an esqueological perspective even an esqueological perspective even an esqueological perspective happening here, for the Lord will build happening here, for the Lord will build happening here, for the Lord will build up Zion. He appears in his glory. Look up Zion. He appears in his glory. Look up Zion. He appears in his glory. Look at verse 17. There's so much hope here. at verse 17. There's so much hope here. at verse 17. There's so much hope here. He regards the prayer of the destitute, He regards the prayer of the destitute, He regards the prayer of the destitute, and he does not despise their prayer.

and he does not despise their prayer. and he does not despise their prayer. He's opened to people who come to him He's opened to people who come to him He's opened to people who come to him with hurts and difficulties and with hurts and difficulties and with hurts and difficulties and hardships. hardships. hardships. And then he says in verse 18, "Let this And then he says in verse 18, "Let this And then he says in verse 18, "Let this be recorded for a generation to come so be recorded for a generation to come so be recorded for a generation to come so that a people yet to be created may that a people yet to be created may that a people yet to be created may praise the Lord." In other words, we're praise the Lord." In other words, we're praise the Lord." In other words, we're laying anchors for the future for people laying anchors for the future for people laying anchors for the future for people to realize that God is trustworthy. In to realize that God is trustworthy. In to realize that God is trustworthy. In fact, for those of you who are a little fact, for those of you who are a little fact, for those of you who are a little older, you got more water under the older, you got more water under the older, you got more water under the bridge. You may wonder, "What do I have bridge. You may wonder, "What do I have bridge. You may wonder, "What do I have to offer?" You know what you have to to offer?" You know what you have to to offer?" You know what you have to offer? You have to offer the fact that offer? You have to offer the fact that offer? You have to offer the fact that God proved himself in your lifetime. And God proved himself in your lifetime. And God proved himself in your lifetime. And you got all kinds of stories. And you you got all kinds of stories. And you you got all kinds of stories. And you need to share those stories in the need to share those stories in the need to share those stories in the appropriate manner in the right time appropriate manner in the right time appropriate manner in the right time with people who are in their sorrows and with people who are in their sorrows and with people who are in their sorrows and their struggles. their struggles. their struggles. We see that the psalmist continues and We see that the psalmist continues and We see that the psalmist continues and it says verse 19, he looked down from it says verse 19, he looked down from it says verse 19, he looked down from his holy height from heaven. The Lord his holy height from heaven. The Lord his holy height from heaven. The Lord looked down to hear the groans of the looked down to hear the groans of the looked down to hear the groans of the prisoners to set free those who were prisoners to set free those who were prisoners to set free those who were doomed to die that they may declare in doomed to die that they may declare in doomed to die that they may declare in Zion the name of the Lord and Jerusalem Zion the name of the Lord and Jerusalem Zion the name of the Lord and Jerusalem his praise. when peoples gather together his praise. when peoples gather together his praise. when peoples gather together and kingdoms to worship the Lord.

and kingdoms to worship the Lord. and kingdoms to worship the Lord. Skip to verse 25. Of old you laid the Skip to verse 25. Of old you laid the Skip to verse 25. Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, the heavens are foundation of the earth, the heavens are foundation of the earth, the heavens are the work of your hands. Notice all of the work of your hands. Notice all of the work of your hands. Notice all of this God's centeredness. He's taken his this God's centeredness. He's taken his this God's centeredness. He's taken his pain. We're a long ways from God. Do you pain. We're a long ways from God. Do you pain. We're a long ways from God. Do you hear me? God, do you listen to me? Are hear me? God, do you listen to me? Are hear me? God, do you listen to me? Are you going to incline your ear? We're a you going to incline your ear? We're a you going to incline your ear? We're a long ways from I'm losing weight. I feel long ways from I'm losing weight. I feel long ways from I'm losing weight. I feel all isolated. The psalmist has all isolated. The psalmist has all isolated. The psalmist has intentionally anchored his soul and what intentionally anchored his soul and what intentionally anchored his soul and what he knows to be true about God when he's he knows to be true about God when he's he knows to be true about God when he's doesn't know what's true about his life. doesn't know what's true about his life. doesn't know what's true about his life. And he's rehearsing, he's preaching to And he's rehearsing, he's preaching to And he's rehearsing, he's preaching to his own soul through the means of his own soul through the means of his own soul through the means of prayer. And this means of this language prayer. And this means of this language prayer. And this means of this language of lament. Verse 26, he says, "They will of lament. Verse 26, he says, "They will of lament. Verse 26, he says, "They will perish, but you will remain. They will perish, but you will remain. They will perish, but you will remain. They will all wear out like a garment. You will all wear out like a garment. You will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe and they will change them like a robe and they will change them like a robe and they will pass away, but you are the same and your pass away, but you are the same and your pass away, but you are the same and your years have no end." Here's the thing. years have no end." Here's the thing. years have no end." Here's the thing. The writer of Hebrews uses this exact The writer of Hebrews uses this exact The writer of Hebrews uses this exact text to talk about Jesus. text to talk about Jesus. text to talk about Jesus. He takes this text and he says this is He takes this text and he says this is He takes this text and he says this is about Jesus, how he's better than about Jesus, how he's better than about Jesus, how he's better than angels, that Jesus is the one who is the angels, that Jesus is the one who is the angels, that Jesus is the one who is the same and that his years have no end. So same and that his years have no end. So same and that his years have no end. So how does all this connect to the cross? how does all this connect to the cross? how does all this connect to the cross? Oh, how it connects to the cross?

Oh, how it connects to the cross? Oh, how it connects to the cross? Because it is in the cross of Jesus Because it is in the cross of Jesus Because it is in the cross of Jesus Christ and the empty tomb we see that Christ and the empty tomb we see that Christ and the empty tomb we see that God specializes taking the worst and God specializes taking the worst and God specializes taking the worst and causing it to turn out for the best. He causing it to turn out for the best. He causing it to turn out for the best. He takes something that looks like an takes something that looks like an takes something that looks like an absolute disaster, the crucifixion, the absolute disaster, the crucifixion, the absolute disaster, the crucifixion, the shame of the son of God and in three shame of the son of God and in three shame of the son of God and in three days flip the script so that that then days flip the script so that that then days flip the script so that that then becomes the means, the backdrop by which becomes the means, the backdrop by which becomes the means, the backdrop by which now the resurrected Christ proclaims, I now the resurrected Christ proclaims, I now the resurrected Christ proclaims, I have defeated death. So ladies, where do have defeated death. So ladies, where do have defeated death. So ladies, where do you take your pain when you've got you take your pain when you've got you take your pain when you've got little gas in the tank? Where do you little gas in the tank? Where do you little gas in the tank? Where do you bring your sorrows? You bring it to the bring your sorrows? You bring it to the bring your sorrows? You bring it to the foot of the cross and you remind foot of the cross and you remind foot of the cross and you remind yourself of what Paul said in Romans 8. yourself of what Paul said in Romans 8. yourself of what Paul said in Romans 8. What shall we say to these things? If What shall we say to these things? If What shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He God is for us, who can be against us? He God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own son, but gave who did not spare his own son, but gave who did not spare his own son, but gave him up for us all, how will he not also him up for us all, how will he not also him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

with him graciously give us all things? with him graciously give us all things? In other words, if he did this, do you think he can't handle your weward do you think he can't handle your weward kids? kids? kids? If he did this, you don't think he can If he did this, you don't think he can If he did this, you don't think he can handle your illness? You don't think he handle your illness? You don't think he handle your illness? You don't think he can handle your failed marriage? You can handle your failed marriage? You can handle your failed marriage? You don't think he can handle the the worst don't think he can handle the the worst don't think he can handle the the worst things that are taking place in your things that are taking place in your things that are taking place in your life? Listen, your suffering may be life? Listen, your suffering may be life? Listen, your suffering may be perplexing, but it's never pointless. perplexing, but it's never pointless. perplexing, but it's never pointless. And Jesus bought the right to make that And Jesus bought the right to make that And Jesus bought the right to make that right. There is coming a day. Oh, I can't wait. There is coming a day. Oh, I can't wait. When there will be no more tears, when When there will be no more tears, when When there will be no more tears, when God will wipe away all of them from our God will wipe away all of them from our God will wipe away all of them from our eyes. There will be no more sorrow, no eyes. There will be no more sorrow, no eyes. There will be no more sorrow, no more sadness, no more injustice, no more more sadness, no more injustice, no more more sadness, no more injustice, no more loss. Our faith will be sight. There loss. Our faith will be sight. There loss. Our faith will be sight. There will be no more pain to [music] talk to will be no more pain to [music] talk to will be no more pain to [music] talk to Jesus about. Until that day, lament is our language. Until that day, lament is our language. It's the way we process our pain right It's the way we process our pain right It's the way we process our pain right now. It's a prayer in pain that leads to now. It's a prayer in pain that leads to now. It's a prayer in pain that leads to trust. You can talk to Jesus about your trust. You can talk to Jesus about your trust. You can talk to Jesus about your sorrows. Talk to him about your sorrows. Talk to him about your sorrows. Talk to him about your struggles.

I don't know what songs we're going to I don't know what songs we're going to sing in the new heavens and the new sing in the new heavens and the new sing in the new heavens and the new earth. I mean, I I think it'd be pretty earth. I mean, I I think it'd be pretty earth. I mean, I I think it'd be pretty cool if we sang some Shane and Chain cool if we sang some Shane and Chain cool if we sang some Shane and Chain songs in the new heaven, new earth. songs in the new heaven, new earth. songs in the new heaven, new earth. That'd be that'd be cool. I'd be like, I That'd be that'd be cool. I'd be like, I That'd be that'd be cool. I'd be like, I knew those guys down there. Like, that knew those guys down there. Like, that knew those guys down there. Like, that was that'd be awesome. was that'd be awesome. was that'd be awesome. I don't know all the Psalms that we're I don't know all the Psalms that we're I don't know all the Psalms that we're going to read, going to read, going to read, but I know a bunch that we're not going but I know a bunch that we're not going but I know a bunch that we're not going to read anymore. to read anymore. to read anymore. A third of the Psalms will no longer be A third of the Psalms will no longer be A third of the Psalms will no longer be relevant. relevant. relevant. Wow. A third A third of the Psalms are Wow. A third A third of the Psalms are Wow. A third A third of the Psalms are no longer relevant. Why? Because the ark no longer relevant. Why? Because the ark no longer relevant. Why? Because the ark of God's redemption is complete. The end of God's redemption is complete. The end of God's redemption is complete. The end goal has been accomplished. Our faith goal has been accomplished. Our faith goal has been accomplished. Our faith has been sight. Our sorrows have been has been sight. Our sorrows have been has been sight. Our sorrows have been finally healed and Jesus reigns in all finally healed and Jesus reigns in all finally healed and Jesus reigns in all of his glory. of his glory. of his glory. So again, William Cooper. So again, William Cooper. So again, William Cooper. So ladies, judge not the Lord by feeble So ladies, judge not the Lord by feeble So ladies, judge not the Lord by feeble sense, sense, sense, but trust him for his grace.

but trust him for his grace. but trust him for his grace. Behind a frowning providence, Behind a frowning providence, Behind a frowning providence, he hides a smiling face. he hides a smiling face. he hides a smiling face. His purposes will ripen fast, unfolding His purposes will ripen fast, unfolding His purposes will ripen fast, unfolding every hour. The bud may have a bitter every hour. The bud may have a bitter every hour. The bud may have a bitter taste, but sweet, I can tell you, taste, but sweet, I can tell you, taste, but sweet, I can tell you, sweet will be the flower. And then sweet will be the flower. And then sweet will be the flower. And then listen to this. listen to this. listen to this. Blind unbelief is sure to air and scan Blind unbelief is sure to air and scan Blind unbelief is sure to air and scan his works in vain. his works in vain. his works in vain. God God God is his own interpreter is his own interpreter is his own interpreter and he will make it plain. and he will make it plain. and he will make it plain. So what do we do? So what do we do? So what do we do? We do this while we're here. We turn We do this while we're here. We turn We do this while we're here. We turn our eyes upon Jesus. [singing] Look full in his wonderful Look full in his wonderful face.

And the things And the things of earth will grow strangely [singing] of earth will grow strangely [singing] of earth will grow strangely [singing] dim dim dim in the light of his glory in the light of his glory in the light of his glory and grace. Sing that again, ladies only. and grace. Sing that again, ladies only. and grace. Sing that again, ladies only. Turn Turn Turn your eyes your eyes your eyes upon me. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Look in [singing] the light in [singing] the light of his glory.