crying – Engaging Scripture

How and what to pray when you have reached a breaking point – 1st Samuel 1:1-2:11, Part 3

Have you ever observed a stranger weeping? Did you approach them and ask, “Are you okay?” Typically when someone is weeping, we have sympathy for them. Maybe even empathy, because most of us know what it feels like to be so distraught that we are weeping bitterly. Similarly, in our story this week, 1st SamuelContinue reading “How and what to pray when you have reached a breaking point – 1st Samuel 1:1-2:11, Part 3”

A Lament for Dark Days – 1 Samuel 1:1-2:11, Preview

“Hello darkness, my old friend.” Can you imagine singing that lyric during a worship service? No? Me neither. It’s the start of the Simon & Garfunkel song “The Sound of Silence.” Great song, but we probably wouldn’t sing it as a praise to God in a worship service. What about this line: “Why, O Lord,Continue reading “A Lament for Dark Days – 1 Samuel 1:1-2:11, Preview”

Crying as a spiritual practice – Ezekiel 19, Part 1

I recently attended the baptism of my niece. It was wonderful to hear her share the story of her faith in Christ, her commitment to him, and why she wanted to be baptized. There was so much joy as my brother-in-law baptized her. That moment when she rose up out of the water, as itContinue reading “Crying as a spiritual practice – Ezekiel 19, Part 1”

How to walk through pain [False ideas Christians believe about…difficulty. Part 5]

How should we respond in the midst of pain? The psalmists often lament, crying out their complaint to God as to why he is not answering their prayer. This is why we are fact-checking statement about dealing with difficulty. The post you are reading is number 5 of 5. If you’re starting here, I encourageContinue reading “How to walk through pain [False ideas Christians believe about…difficulty. Part 5]”

What to do when life is hard and filled with tears

A friend of mine has graciously allowed me to borrow his tiller each year to get our garden ready for planting. It is a monster of a tiller. You have to grip that thing with all your might, lower your center of gravity, and hold on for dear life. I am not kidding. It isContinue reading “What to do when life is hard and filled with tears”