#ekah

New Post has been published on https://www.crownofcompassion.org/2019/09/21/inward-journey-on-the-other-side/

Inward Journey - on the other side

“On the other side of the Inward Journey, ‘we are on the way to more complete healing, which entails a deeper awareness of our weaknesses.  We can hear, see, touch, and smell the God of our salvation.  We are becoming intimate with God in the fullest sense of the word intimate.”- Aubrey Sampson, citing Janet Hegberg and Robert Guelich

Aubrey Sampson concludes Chapter 3 of The Louder Song, she discusses the how of lament.  The author notes that Jeremiah begins his lament with one profound word: ekah– the Hebrew word for how.  In fact, Aubrey adds, the Hebrew Scriptures title the book of Lamentations as Ekah.  Furthermore, Aubrey states, how is:

a blunt declaration – “How deserted lies the city!”  (Lamentations 1:1)

an unadulterated question – something we’d demand of a close friend or loved one who betrayed us.

Therefore, Aubrey exhorts, talk to God openly and freely.  Because God can take it.  Hence, pour out your sadness and frustration (a) as often as you need to for (b) as long as you need to.

In Psalm 13, David writes what Aubrey considers a fearless example of an ekah-filled lament.  Yet, even though David affirms his trust in God at the end of his psalm, his misery hasn’t dissipated.  But, somehow, David finds the courage to sing his louder song.

In conclusion, the author cites the biblical account of Jesus healing the blind man.  He used a muddy concoction of dirt and saliva.  Aubrey encourages:

“If at the moment your walk with Jesus and your lament journey are nothing more than a mess of dirt, mud, and spit, take courage.  That’s enough material to see your way to how — to stop faking, escaping, or running away and stay put in your grief, while waiting for hope once again to appear.”

Today’s question: What Scriptures help you get to the other side of your Inward Journey?  Please share.