Whilst doing research for a sermon, I came across an interesting article about the book of Lamentations. In the Jewish and Roman Catholic traditions they have very specific days each year to read and sing from this book in the Bible. It is basically compulsory to worry and feel a bit depressed on these days.
My initial reaction was “How strange!”. Maybe if, like me, you also have an inborn zest for life and tend not to dwell on the negative, you will also feel that this is not for you. Or maybe you even think this is wrong as people of faith are supposed to rejoice in the Lord.
But then I thought about it a bit more and it struck me: Modern-day psychologists also recommend that people who struggle with anxiety, allow themselves a specific daily time slot to worry to their heart’s content. And then they feel better!
Once you know that you are allowed to worry and you only worry during those ten minutes or so, your brain can file your concerns away during the rest of the day. This is how our brains were created and so I gave myself one quiet day during my annual holiday to read Lamentations.
I then made a list of everything that gives me grave concern. Things like the economy, politics, war, the high divorce rate, cancer and other serious illnesses, poverty … I did not list my opinion or views on these matters, merely all issues that make me feel sad, stressed and despondent.
Then I prayed about each and every topic. I was honest about my heartbreak and my fears. I used normal, everyday words, just as they came to mind. Sometimes I said nothing, because I felt too overwhelmed by dread.
As I prayed through my list, a few flutters of relief started awakening in my heart. I started feeling lighter and by the time I was done, I was ready to rejoice in hope again, just as the author of Lamentations does in chapter 3.
I tore up my list in very small pieces, threw them away and listened to joyous Christmas music knowing that my fears were back where they belonged: in my Father’s hands. I knew then that my New Year was going to be truly happy.
I will continue to pray for people who suffer and for good to triumph over evil, but I will pray with hope and with peace after this great unburdening at the start of my year.
