Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy

Discovering the Grace of Lament

By: Mark Vroegop, Joni Tada - Foreword

Narrated by: Bob Souer

Lament is how you live between the poles of a hard life and trusting God's goodness.

Lament is how we bring our sorrow to God - but it is a neglected dimension of the Christian life for many Christians today. We need to recover the practice of honest spiritual struggle that gives us permission to vocalize our pain and wrestle with our sorrow. Lament avoids trite answers and quick solutions, progressively moving us toward deeper worship and trust.

Exploring how the Bible - through the psalms of lament and the book of Lamentations - gives voice to our pain, this book invites us to grieve, struggle, and tap into the rich reservoir of grace and mercy God offers in the darkest moments of our lives.

©2019 Mark Vroegop (P)2019 eChristian

I didn’t know

I was never aware of the art of lament. I learned so much and I have been talking about the book to others.

lament

I enjoyed the stories and Bible references. I recommend this book to anyone grieving life's events.

A fresh look at the Lament psalms

A biblically sound look at the practice of lament. Timely book, thoughtfully written. I would recommend to anyone living with sorrow and difficulty (so, really all people)

These words have long been needed!

These words have long been needed in our churches and homes in the USA! As our family walked through a very long valley of illness, losses, and grief, we found that many Christians are very uncomfortable with expresson of emotions that are perceived as "negative," and will quickly try to talk a grieving person out of honestly expressing their heart's cry. This response usually deprives both parties of any opportunity for true comfort and encouragement to be shared.

While we understand the discomfort of many, we will never forget the few rare souls who listened well; wept with us; and encouraged us to pour out our prayers of lamentation to God - for this is where healing was found and our faith strengthened. The pastor who wrote this book understands this well. Many churches in our culture practice empathy and caring, but stray from biblical Truth. Others work hard at teaching the Truth of Scripture, but have little understanding of how to apply it in a truly loving manner in the face of deep grief. This book nailed both the proper doctrine, and lbetter attempts at loving application. Whether you are the one grieving; preparing your heart for that inevitable time; or needing to learn how to better support others who grieve, I highly recommend this book.

Lament is what was missing for me

I’ve learned the value of lament in my life from listening to this book. After the loss of my son and the failure in our criminal justice system to convict the man who murdered him i couldn’t bear the pain and anger so i shut down. This book gave me the vehicle to express the emotions buried and to turn and trust God in the process. Now I seek others to join in their lament.

Purposeful content

Thankful this book draws us into a God-honoring lament as we walk. through inevitable pain and suffering. Needed content!

Excellent. Encouraging.

After many years of various types of loss, Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy helped give direction on how to grieve in a godly way. I highly recommend this book.

5 ⭐️for the book 1 ⭐️for the narration.

I found the author through a podcast about grief and lament. The podcast was excellent. The book is excellent. The narration is monotone and depressing. It almost sounds like a computer is reading it.

I have never heard a sermon about lament. I have spent the last 20 plus years living with intense physical pain, 18 of which was spent in bed. I wish I had found this book then. Instead, I languished in a non denominational type environment. This book has been balm to my soul.

Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

Praise our glorious Savior for this wisdom!!

Words can't even begin to describe the gracious, comforting, healing, Heavenly balm and wisdom this work offers...though I'm only at the start of that healing! I look forward to seeing what our Lord has in store for our remaining journeys here, until we reach Home! A breath of fresh Holy Spirit filled air! God bless you dearly beloved brother! Love in Christ, Kristine

Loved this Book!

Lament is an important part of the believers walk with God which is often neglected and suppressed to the detriment of our souls. God wants to us to come to Him with all our sorrows. Please cast all your cares on Him for He cares for you!