Observation: The prophet Joel describes a terrible locust plague, that has ravaged both the crops of farmers in Judah, and the natural landscape. Everything is destroyed. Joel sees this infestation as a sign of God's judgment on the people. They are called to repent: but first, to lament. 

Application: Lament is not the first language of American Christians. We tend to be "positive thinkers." We are incurably optimistic, and that has both positives and negatives. On the positive side, it can give us energy and enthusiasm, truly believing that we can achieve our goals if we work hard enough. On the negative side, it can sometimes give us a tenuous relationship with reality, when that reality is tragic, or simply doesn't fit our narrative. It can create situations where we don't talk about sad things, and sometimes even pressure others not to. This is where we can learn a lot from the Hebrew Bible. The words of the prophets and psalmists are sometimes words of pure lament. No silver linings, no positive spin-doctoring, just the ragged cry of the soul, acknowledging a terrible loss. Maybe in our optimism we feel the temptation to skate over these texts; maybe we were taught that being a Christian means being joyful and happy, and if we're not there's something wrong with us. But there was nothing wrong with the prophet Joel, when he prescribed sackcloth and ashes, wailing and solemn assemblies. When we are feeling despair, we aren't alone. We have conversation partners with the Biblical writers, who don't pressure us to "look on the bright side." There is a time for lament. To observe that season, when it comes, is not a sign of unfaith, but rather deep faith, because you go into that space expecting that God will sit with you there. 

Prayer: God, give us true seasons of lament in our lives, and the ability to accept them and invite you into our midst when they come. Amen.