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Mercy Me So Long Self 

Scripture
“Frustration is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart.” (Ecclesiastes 7:3)

Observation
When I read those words today I had a ‘monback moment” – you know, when the Bible snags your soul like a rosebush and says “come on back here now and study this bloom.” Most translations say “sorrow is better than laughter.” But this translation uses another word that sends me hunting to find the true definition of the word “sorrow” or “frustration”. (By way, here’s an easy way to do word studies on line.)

My dictionary tells me that the word in Hebrew means both “sorrow” and “anger” at the same time. It seems that the word “frustration” is a good compromise between the two. Grief is accepting that something lost is lost. We can feel sorrow and anger about that loss at the same time. That frustrating sadness is a good thing.

Learning to live without something we once depended upon is good heart exercise. It obviously brings us to our knees but it also brings to the surface what laughter will only disguise. Not getting our way is the best way forward.

Application

This scripture leads to a radical new direction in prayer. Instead of praying, Lord change my condition! It calls me to pray, Lord change me!

Prayer

Today, Father, I thank you for the loss of things I’ve depended on. Let the limp I walk with cause me to depend upon you more. Amen.