“We can rejoice, even when we have unanswered questions, even when we have doubts and fears — and yes, even while we are still lamenting. . . . We can receive the peace of God and raise our hands to say Selah . . .”- Esther Fleece
As Esther Fleece concludes Chapter 7 of No More Faking Fine, she observes that the pain we face is temporary. Yet, pain never feels temporary. But for Christians, pain never is our final destination.
However, lament helps expand the concept of peace beyond the immediate. It acknowledges and abides in God’s vast and mysterious plans (Walter Brueggeman) while trusting in God’s goodness. Esther adds:
“An invitation to wrestle with God, to come face-to-face with Him in our deepest need and darkest questions, can have an outcome of peace in our hearts if we first allow ourselves to lament.”
Therefore, as Esther looked at Habakkuk’s process of lament, she discovered that Habakkuk:
- demonstrated persistence
- stood watch and waited faithfully, expectantly- even when not pleased with God’s response
- anticipated God would respond
- expected his understanding of God to change in the process
- rejoiced, even though his circumstances remained grim
- had Selah, although his circumstances had yet to change
In conclusion, Ms. Fleece applies Habakkuk’s approach to us:
“Even as we cry, ‘How long, Lord?’ we can trust the process that in the waiting, we are being strengthened, sanctified, and transformed. Even in the waiting, God is powerfully present, and that can be our source of deep, unshakable joy.”
Today’s question: During your desert, land between time, what unanswered questions persist? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Circumstances might not always feel like a gift”
