When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then it was said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
The Lord has done great things for us,
and we rejoiced.
Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
like the watercourses in the Negeb.
May those who sow in tears
reap with shouts of joy.
Those who go out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
carrying their sheaves.
Questions
1. Often our complaints come from a place of fear. What do you fear today? Watch for ways that God is shielding you from that which you fear.
2. In spite of feeling forgotten by or angry at God, the lament psalmists reach out to God. Try expressing your alienation, grief, or anger to God. Listen for God’s response.
3. Pay attention to what the psalmists are asking of God. In times of discomfort, what is it that you truly want? Express this desire to God.
4. Sometimes the psalmists speak directly to God, and sometimes they just talk about God. What helps you express grief and frustration? Verbalizing your complaint? Writing in a journal? Talking to others?