Lamentations Through the Years
by Michael Doyle

Before my eyes and with my own ears
I've witnessed miracles in my years
Yet, there have still been times of pain
Which have brought lessons, not in vain

Hard times hit, and they hit hard
With darkness compelling like a wild card
Stressing the relationship with these cares
Given in limitation to God in prayers

The Psalmist's faith proves out theology
Willing to be dependent on God's sovereignty
Sorrow expressed in devout communication
Humbly given when we feel our worst frustration

From heartbreak to hope, these times hit home
As we submit standing at the foot of His throne
From Old Testament and as revealed in the New
The pain of the Psalmist is kept in plain view

Wrestling with thoughts and in our deep sorrow
Is the trust and faith believing in tomorrow
That we will yet, find our way to redemption
As God's response is kept encouraged in contemplation

Eyes on God in our times when we are buried in trouble
We're to be earnest and not lost up in steady grumble
No silent treatment helps heal the wounds of life
It is soul-killing when you need peace in the strife

Your silence with God tends to let in the enemy
It does nothing to help in life's severity
We must remember the miracles we've seen done
Keeping faith in the power in the holy three-in-one

Allowing the Holy Spirit to come in intercession
As the paces take us through a groaning progression
Our pain cannot be our point of enduring separation
As we cry out in our depths of agony and desperation

That nothing will separate us from God's faithful love
And as we keep our eyes on the sanctuary of Heaven above
It matters little the who or the what that holds the blame
On every occasion, let's call out loud in God's Holy name

Remembering that God is with us in our troubled moments
Sitting beside us through all of what seem endless torments
Curled up there at times in all our wordless tears
Is sometimes what is needed to get through our years

Words can be awkward as we continue to walk our talk
With God's holiness present in every step of our walk
It is more than okay to humbly lament and reveal
Until troubled times pass and we learn again to be still

(c) July 30, 2023   Michael Doyle
All Rights Reserved