Why Do You Ignore Our Suffering?

WHY DO YOU IGNORE OUR SUFFERING?

a prayer to open

In the midst of the pain in the world, Lord, I cry out to you.

When darkness overwhelms and the light has faded,

lead me in the way of hope, and grant me eyes to see your goodness.

Wake up, O Lord! Why do you sleep?

Get up! Do not reject us forever.

Why do you look the other way?

Why do you ignore our suffering and oppression?

We collapse in the dust,

lying face down in the dirt.

Rise up! Help us!

Ransom us because of your unfailing love.

Suffering is universal, but some people and places in the world suffer without relief. Their hurting never abates. Generation after generation is ravaged by hunger or war or oppression or disease. If you’ve been to any of these places rife with suffering, you know that many people in seemingly dark and desperate situations are still filled with joy, find great purpose in their circumstances, and feel loved by God. How is this possible? What can be learned from this?

• As you read today’s lament, what people group or place came to mind? If you feel the Holy Spirit leading you in this direction, spend time simply making this lament on behalf of that people or place. Pray the words as your own.
• As you consider more closely whatever people group or place came to mind for you as you read, where do you see good, compassion, or glimpses of God at work even in the midst of such difficult circumstances?
• How is God calling you to participate in what he’s doing to restore and redeem the people or place you have identified?

God, we are longing for your return and full restoration. Come quickly! Help us! Don’t let us be crushed under the weight of the sinfulness and brokenness of this world. Come, Lord Jesus.