From Lamentations to Joy

What is a lamentation?

lam·en·ta·tion noun *the passionate expression of grief or sorrow; weeping. *a book of the Bible telling of the desolation of Judah after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC.

I love to speak Joy, uplift and encourage others. I love to see people smile. But, I also love to see the growth God makes in us when we reflect and seek Him first. On this Christian journey, I have also observed our human nature--especially mine. The more I observe; the more I need to call on Jesus! I lament and cast my cares on Him, and He exchanges it with His Peace and Joy!

There's so much going on in the physical, that some of us never see what we are sowing in the Spiritual. The two realms are very different, but have an affect on the other.

(Follow Galatians 6)

We can't separate ourselves from God, (Our Provider, Our Healer, Our Source, the One who created us and all we enjoy) and think we can live life successfully without Him.

(Follow John 15:5)

A Daughter's Lamentation

by Michelle Brooks

Now that God has our undivided attention;

Can you hear His voice and follow His direction?

Can we say liberty for all and still have disconnection?

Can we be selfish, hateful, greedy, and expect no correction?

When we read our Word daily and we pray all day long;

We see things very clear and know exactly what is wrong.

We, Your children, have gone astray;

We have turned black & white into grey.

We have dropped balls too numerous to count;

And within ourselves no fault can be found.

The more I pray, the more I see;

The problem isn't "them;" it is the collective "we."

We have let others go without;

We have worldly abundance, but a Spiritual drought.

Now that the writing is on the wall;

Will we work in unity or remain divided and fall?

It is our brothers and sisters that matter most;

Not worldly possessions or likes on a post.

It's our prerogative to live how we choose;

But if it's not for God's Kingdom, in the end we lose.

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Dear Lord,

You are Great and Greatly to be praised! You keep extending Your Love and Patience toward us and we thank you! Lord, please forgive us for our many sins against You, our brothers, and our sisters made in Your image. We have sinned and fallen short of Your Glory and need Your Presence every day. Help us to turn to You for all we need. Create clean hearts in us and give us a renewed Spirit. Help us to focus on what pleases You, oh Lord, and not ourselves. Help us study Your Holy Word and always seek You and Your Kingdom first. Thank you for favor we do not deserve. Thank You for the precious Gift of Your Holy Spirit to lead and guide us. Help us to seek Your face more than anyone or anything else. Let us incline our ears to hear Your voice, and walk in Your divine plan and purpose for our lives. Help us to stand in the gap and pray for others. Protect and guide our minds, oh Lord. Help us to shine Your Light and Speak your Word. Oh Lord, please move us from lamentations to JOY.

We thank you for Your continued Grace and Mercy that we take for granted each day;

may the name of Jesus spread faster than any virus and in His name we pray. Amen.

(Follow 2 Chronicles 7:14 and Psalm 30:5)