For Ladies: A Lament
Alice McDonald
(On December of 1997, in Ladies Class, we were given the assignment to write a lament. Here is mine.)
As the years passed by, I wondered why I have had to endure so much. I know You are an all-seeing, all-knowing, and caring God. You love us and want the best for us. Why, Lord, has it been so hard? I know, in my mind, the struggle, and, in holding on to You for strength, we become strong. I know I need to keep leaning on You and to let You carry me. For this I am thankful. You say we are to be thankful in all things. This can be hard, but I keep trying … You are in control. I have to keep this in mind. All things will work for the good to those who love You and follow in Your ways.
As time passes, I see prayers answered and questions answered as I see Your plan unfold. Please help me to have wisdom, and discernment, and patience, and kindness. Help me to continue to love when times are hard and when people are not doing as they should be doing. Help me to remember that I, too, sin and come short of Your glory. Help me to be light where hope is needed. Help me to encourage and lift up others along my journey in life. Please help me not to fear the valley of the shadow of death. Help me to always remember You are there always to lead me through. When all is done, I pray I will have fought the good fight and You take me home to be with You. I pray in Jesus’ name.
As the years have gone by and, in searching the Scriptures, I have begun to understand as I matured in my faith. I pray that any who struggle will continue in their faith in God. Please study and pray and lean on the Lord each day. Here are a few scriptures that will help you as you walk with the Lord.
2 Timothy 3:16 - “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
Psalm 103:1 - “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Hebrews 11:6 - “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”
Romans 5:1-4 - “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience (steadfastness), experience and experience, hope.”
James 1:5, 6 - “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering (doubting). For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.”
Philippians 4:4-13 “Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation (forbearance) be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. These things, which ye have both learned and received and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content … I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” –RR 3 Box 110, Philippi, WV 26416.