Day 99 - Express Your Emotions Freely
The grieving customs in ancient Israel involved a great deal of free expression, especially compared to today’s culture.
After King Saul, his son, and Israel’s army were defeated, “David and all the men with him took hold of their clothes and tore them. They mourned and wept and fasted till evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the army of the LORD and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword” (2 Samuel 1:11-12).
First of all, David and all the men mourned their loss together as a group. “Group grieving” is an effective tool for the journey, but in today’s culture it is something that you must seek out, usually in the form of a support group.
The second action of David and his men was to take hold of their clothes and tear them. They released their energy in a way that was physical, yet not harmful.
Lastly, and still as a group, they “mourned and wept and fasted till evening.” In their culture they were free to openly express and share their grieving emotions, and they were expected to do so.
Think of the forms of mourning that you have engaged in. How does it compare to the mourning of David and his men? You can learn from the past and be a part of an improved future.
Glorious Lord, I want to express my emotions freely, actively, and without embarrassment. Amen.