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SINGING THE BLUES (LAMENTATIONS 1:1-16)

“Singing the blues” is the theme for our reflection. Singing the blues is an idiomatic expression that means to feel sad and discouraged. Singing the blues can also refers to a song of lamentation that is borne out of sadness and discouragement. We shall reflect on the fact that a comforter is needed when we sing the blues. A comforter is a person who provides consolation when we are sad and discouraged or faced with challenging situations. Our most dependable and compassionate comforter is God.

It is believed that the Prophet Jeremiah wrote the book of Lamentation. His words of lament were most probably written soon after Israel was captured and exiled by the Babylonian empire. Israel is personified as one who has sinned against God and has been punished. In her punishment and afflictions, she sings the blues and seeks a comforter but no one turns to her. Although her sins led her to incur the wrath of God, Israel still calls on God for His mercy and comfort. “Jerusalem sinned grievously; therefore she became filthy; all who honoured her despise her, for they have seen her nakedness; she herself groans and turns her face away. Her uncleanness was in her skirts; she took no thought of her future; therefore her fall is terrible; she has no comforter. “O LORD, behold my affliction, for the enemy has triumphed!” (Lamentations 1:8-9)

Dear friend, when we are afflicted by our sins or suffer as a result of our bad decision, who do we turn to for comfort? Usually, friends and family are unsympathetic towards our plight and we are left alone in our afflictions. We are left alone to sing the blues without comfort. Should a Christian refuse to comfort a person simply because he or she is the cause of his or her own suffering? Should we neglect prisoners because they are in prison as a result of their crimes? Should we neglect a patient with HIV/AIDS because he or she may be the cause of his or her own predicament? Dear friend, people who suffer as a result of their sins also seek comfort. It is our calling as believers or Christians to turn to them and show them compassion and comfort. We must be like the father of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32 who forgave and showed compassion to his lost but found son. He runned to embrace and comfort him when he returned home. Let us not be like the elder brother of the prodigal son who was judgemental and begrudged his father for warmly receiving his younger brother back home. We must comfort others including the brother or sister suffering as a result of his or her disobedience to God.

Beloved in the Lord, it is very important to acknowledge the fact that we must bear the fruit of repentance even as we pray for God to comfort and save us in our afflictions, it is for this reason, God said to the Israelites in 2 Chronicles 7:13-14, “… I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:13-14) Dear friend, how do we pray for God to comfort, heal and save us yet we are not ready to repent from our wicked and sinful ways? God is not an ambulance service or an intensive care doctor whom we only call upon to comfort and save us in a time of emergency but soon after we are healed or treated and discharged, we go back to our former wicked or sinful ways. This is how some Christians approach God, we take delight in sinning or disobeying God but immediately we find ourselves in afflictions and calamities we begin to sing the blues or seek comfort and redemption from God, and once we are delivered we go back to our former ways. Israel was no exception. Let us remain faithful to God at all times. There is immeasurable joy and peace in living according to the will of God. When we walk with the Lord we do not need to sing the blues or become discouraged because Jesus had promised us that “surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) therefore “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate (comforter) to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth.” (John 14:15-17). Those who are in the Lord need not seek a comforter and those who are estranged from the Father like the Israelites and prodigal son will receive His comfort and forgiveness when they return to Him through repentance and regeneration. John H Sammis (1887) reminds us through his song,

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still
And with all who will trust and obey
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey

In summary we have discovered that a comforter is needed when we sing the blues or are greatly discouraged and afflicted by the consequences of our disobedience. A comforter is a person who provides consolation when we are sad and discouraged or faced with challenging situations. Our most dependable and compassionate comforter is God. Shalom.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, remember me in my afflictions, deliver me from my sins, and make me whole again through repentance and total submission and obedience to Your will. Amen.