After the city of Jerusalem was sacked and God’s temple burned to the ground, the survivors continued on amidst the destruction wondering when God was going to let up on his anger, and maybe look at everyone else who’s done wrong. Why me? Why us? What about them? The natural process of grief takes us through feelings of both humility and the whataboutism that tries to deflect accountability. By Pastor Lars Hammar
O God, the nations have come into your inheritance; they have defiled your holy temple; they have laid Jerusalem in ruins.
2 They have given the bodies of your servants to the birds of the air for food, the flesh of your faithful to the wild animals of the earth.
3 They have poured out their blood like water all around Jerusalem, and there was no one to bury them.
4 We have become a taunt to our neighbors, mocked and derided by those around us.
5 How long, O LORD? Will you be angry forever? Will your jealous wrath burn like fire?
6 Pour out your anger on the nations that do not know you, and on the kingdoms that do not call on your name.
7 For they have devoured Jacob and laid waste his habitation.
8 Do not remember against us the iniquities of our ancestors; let your compassion come speedily to meet us, for we are brought very low.
Psalm 79:1-8