Cry Out

So, what’s been your response to some of the negativity and regulations and election results over the past year? I think we’ve all had to respond in some way to the situations and circumstances we’ve faced. And maybe you’ve largely just ignored them, continuing to live as always. Maybe you diligently did what you were asked and complied to everything as well as you could. Maybe you’ve fought back, complaining on social media and to your friends and whoever would listen. Whatever you’ve done, all of us have responded in some way.
I know that I’ve gone through stages in my response. In terms of regulations and mask wearing, early on especially, I largely just ignored it. I simply tried to live my life as normally as possible. I don’t think I complained, too much anyway, but I know I had my opinions. But as time went on, I did my best to comply more and more for various reasons, but mostly just out of respect for others. In terms of some other situations and circumstances, including the election and such, I know that I tried to stay as neutral as possible (call me Norway) but it wasn’t always easy. It’s hard to keep thoughts and opinions to yourself sometimes.
And, like I said, we’ve all responded in some way or another. And I’m not here to judge you based upon your words or reactions because I know I’d be just as guilty when I start pointing the finger. But what I’ve been reminded of these past few weeks while studying the book of Judges for my sermons is how the Israelites responded.
Now, to be fair, the Israelites got themselves into a load of trouble because they didn’t do what God commanded them to do. And so, over and over again, God would send some form of punishment with the goal of them turning back to him. And though it would take them years, even decades, to come to this conclusion, eventually the Israelites would ‘cry out to the Lord.’ And it was when they did that that God responded.
And so, in all of our reactions, responses and thoughts, did we do that? I mean I’m sure we’ve all prayed about the situation and our own personal concerns during the past year, but have we ‘cried out’? I think there’s a distinct different between our usual prayers and ‘crying out’, isn’t there?
And not that our usual prayers aren’t heard or aren’t valid, I think there are times when we need to cry out. We need to put some emotion and heart and emphasis into our prayers. We need to have some passion in our conversations with God. And so, I pray that we begin crying out to our Father, who deeply loves us, in the midst of our pain and suffering. God bless.