From Lamenting to Peace

The following writings are journeys of lamenting is necessary AND finding peace on the other side.


Her sadness was as deep as the sea. 
As she prayed and poured out her heart to the Lord, 
His shalom filled her heart. 
His shalom is like a warm breeze in the springtime. 
Turning her sorrow into joy. 
Her quieted heart is stable. 

By Cathy Gardner




My sorrow is hopeless! 
The Lord brings me peace in the midst of my trials. 
Being restful is like an absence of anguish. 
He is my source of calm. 

By Chris Gardner 




Martha regretted getting that beautiful two-story house because it was next to Highway 74. She could hear all the crazy traffic all through the night while trying to sleep. After a few months of desperately searching, she finally stumbled upon this small abode outside the city noise and distractions. Martha enjoyably moved from that two-story echo chamber and found a decent ranch home with a serene backyard which included a mini fancy garden within the greenhouse. 
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By Jenna Guthrie



The crowd expressed their anguish in unison with one voice. The roar of their voices continued in protest for what felt like hours. It was late. I could not sleep. The thunder of the crowd’s rumble seemed as if they were right outside my window instead of blocks away. 

Sleep eluded me. Tired, I fell to my knees in prayer asking God for calm to prevail and the disturbance would end. I asked why He allows such hatred and injustice to continue. Haven’t we seen enough? I was feeling much like Habakkuk when he asked how long we must tolerate violence and injustice. Hab 1:1-2. 
I grew weary of the clamor and commotion. The protestors now irritated me. I agree we have a right to have our voices heard, but not at the expense of so many others like me who were in much need of rest. 

I began to have a conversation with myself wishing for the authorities to intervene. I knew in my heart that could mean folk might get hurt. Innocent folk. In that fleeting moment, remorse engulfed me. I was sorrowful about my lack of empathy.

Returning to prayer I confessed my thoughts to the Father; now I asked Him for love to abound among the people. I prayed I would be more loving in this situation, to understand there were hurting people needing a resolution to their pain. Ephesians 4:2 took on new meaning for me this night. “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love”. 

I was not out there with the crowd, but my heart turned to loving them in prayer. Petitioning God for peace to flood over everyone, that His love would enter the hearts of everyone. 

It seemed I prayed a long time when suddenly, as if the spirit of the Lord poured over me, I heard nothing. The discontented voices had quieted. The wailing had ended. Quiet had returned. I thanked God for the stillness. The night once again was as restful as a tranquil sea.

I guess my lesson during this incident was to not allow what seems to disturb the peace to distract us from our focus on the God of Peace! Shalom!

By Brenda Johnson