SCRIPTURE: Lam. 3-5; Rev. 15

 Lamentations 3:28-30
When life is heavy and hard to take,
   go off by yourself. Enter the silence.
Bow in prayer. Don’t ask questions:
   Wait for hope to appear.
Don’t run from trouble. Take it full-face.
   The “worst” is never the worst.

OBSERVATIONS: In this passage, we find the advice to simply enter into silence. Since I’ve had a case of laryngitis for the last three days, this passage is right on time. But not only should I bow in prayer, I should refrain from asking questions.

I spend a lot of time asking questions of God. That’s probably because I have some expectations when it comes to the answers. This passage is a stark reminder that I can’t begin to imagine the depths of God’s wisdom or the simple elegance of God’s plans. Questions from me are like questions from a toddler to a NASA scientist.

“How many jellybeans does it take to launch the shuttle?” Silly child. This thing doesn’t even run on jellybeans.

APPLICATION: “How many people need to join Trinity before we become a real church?” Silly man. This thing doesn’t run on membership. It runs on grace. It runs on the power of the spirit. Success is measured in God’s terms of mature discipleship.

Time to hush.

PRAYER: Your will, not mine. Come, Holy Spirit, when you are good and ready. May we be good and ready to receive you when you arrive. In Christ, amen.