Lamenting vs Wallowing--and the gift of someone to help us see the difference

Scripture Verses that Caught my attention today: Exodus 33:6 and 15 [God said to Moses] “Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey; but I will not go up among you, or I would consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people.” And [Moses] said to [God], “If your presence will not go, do not carry us up from here. 16 For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people, unless you go with us? In this way, we shall be distinct, I and your people, from every people on the face of the earth.”

Observation: This dialog between God and Moses is fascinating. In similar fashion, this chapter includes a note that God spoke to Moses as to a friend (vs. 11). Clearly that is the case, for certainly Moses didn’t pull any punches with God and often times God responded favorably to Moses’ requests. We also see that God is prone to a little pouting now and then and that Moses helps God snap out of it. Very interesting.

Application: It seems to me that a little pouting now and then is natural, for any of us. There are things that don’t always go right, situations that we wish were different, regrets that periodically haunt us.

To ignore these realities doesn’t allow us to address them, to come to terms with them, to move on from them. Sometimes we simply and honestly need to come clean with how we’re feeling, regardless of how taboo such a feelings might be. We might have feelings ranging from revenge, to lust, to giving up, and/or any number of other thoughts that cross our mind.

It’s okay, healthy, and perhaps even critical to admit such things in a safe environment.

The great irony in this passage is that it is the Lord who is having such thoughts. The Lord has had it up to here with these people and is ready to cut the losses and just send them on their way. But God also has Moses who functions, at times, like a friend. True friends nurture a relational environment where true honesty and candor is possible. They are not afraid to hear the discouraging word. But they are also keen to distinguish from lament and wallowing. Lament is a healthy form of expression that needs no response or “fixing.” In such cases friends just listen.

Wallowing, however, is a different story and true friends will call us to account.

When God begins to wallow, Moses calls God to account. Feelings are one thing; actions (or inactions) are another. And when God is ready to act/wallow in the form of withdrawal, Moses will have none of it.

I wonder, do we all have someone we can turn to or at least a process by which we can lament in a healthy way and yet be called to account should we begin to wallow? If even God needs such an outlet, who of us can presume to need any less?

Prayer: Lord, thanks for the various ways and people and circumstances you provide that help keep us from wallowing. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(Readings today included: Exodus 33-34, Psalm 16, and Acts 9)