A Pause for Lamentation

(NOT) Third Monday / October, ’24

Ordinarily Greatheart’s Table is released on the first, second, and fourth Monday, supplemented with a more newsy version on the third. Because of events touching upon my, and perhaps your, world recently, this month’s Third Monday post is coming to you early, and is particularly focused. Thanks for joining us.

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Lament, it has been noted, is a feature too often missing from our public worship.

But it is not something absent from our personal lives. 

Recently some among us have dealt with the serious and surprising blow of a hurricane named Helene. And others have been laid low by a hurricane named Milton. And some have been impacted by both. 

Barb and I are grateful that the only thing either has taken from us has been some memories. But we know that others have suffered far more profound losses. And so we are pausing Greatheart’s Table for a week to invite all who read and listen to pause and to share in the lamentation of others.

Though we know and are grateful that nothing goes to waste in God’s glorious providence, nevertheless that knowledge does not deaden the pain of loss. Many of you are hurting and struggling. We join you in your lament, with the prayer that you will soon yet again see the kindness of God’s provision, if you have not already.

Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Psalm 73:23-26