Feb 19

Feb 19 Learning to Lament Part 4: Experience Peace

Faith/Trust, Grief, Hope, Lament, Prayer, Peace

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable — if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy — dwell on these things.

Philippians 4:8 CSB

When we faithfully practice lament, diligently search the Scriptures, and incorporate Scripture into our prayers, we unlock the experience of profound peace. This is an experienced peace—not the resolution of every “why,” nor the sudden release of burdens that may have weighed on our hearts for years.

This is where we learn to embrace living with lament. As our faith deepens, we grow to trust God's sovereignty alongside His enduring love and faithfulness. We begin to grasp that He has a purpose not only for us but also for others who are intertwined in our struggle.

I have personally witnessed this inexplicable peace during times of crisis. Once, a thousand miles from home, a crisis hit, and all I could do was pray and commit my trust to God. His peace supernaturally settled upon me. It was illogical, but it was profoundly real! I’ve experienced this other times as well.

Gratitude is a vital key that helps us navigate this path. Even amidst painful losses and deep sorrow, we can still give heartfelt thanks to the Lord for the small, sweet graces and the consistent kindness He shows us daily. This concept aligns with the instruction in Philippians 4:8.

Each situation has served to take me deeper into my relationship with and reliance upon Christ. I am learning to genuinely desire Him more than my own dreams and perfectly laid plans. Perhaps this allows us to agree with Frederick William Faber's sentiment: “There are no disappointments to those whose wills are buried in the will of God.”

Lord, when I cry out in pain, bring your unexplainable comfort and peace. Remind me of your unchanging nature and that, though your plan may not be easy, it is always good and for my ultimate flourishing.

Chris Adams

Chris Adams

Chris Adams is an author, speaker, blogger, and women’s ministry consultant. She retired in 2017 after serving over 22 years as the Women’s Ministry Specialist at LifeWay Christian Resources, Nashville, Tennessee. Chris helped pioneer women’s ministry as we know it today and compiled three women’s leadership books: Women Reaching Women, Transformed Lives, and Women Reaching Women in Crisis.

Prior to her employment at LifeWay she was the special ministries coordinator at Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas overseeing women’s ministry and missions education.

For fun you can find Chris reading, spending time with family or at the beach. She married Pat in 1971 and they have twin daughters, two sons in law, 14 grandchildren, and 5 great grands. She recently became a Yorkie mom again for the third time. A self-proclaimed chocolate connoisseur, Chris is famous for her toffee.