Women-only ‘Scream Groups’ have cropped up all over the world. Women come together to unleash their anger without inhibition. Frustration, disappointment, and stress are common reasons for women to take part. It began in Sydney, Australia, and is in many parts of the world. The organizers state that men have spaces to yell or raise their voices, but women do not. Hence, a place for them to express their rage, rant, and even lament. It is therapeutic and a kind of Collective self-care. (Samantha Lock, The Guardian, 19 November 2022) But the Bible teaches: “Casting all your anxieties on him because he cares for you.” (I Peter 5:7; Psalms 55:22)
Burdens: One translation state: Pile your troubles on His shoulders. God allows burdens, sometimes very heavy in the lives of the disciples. The Lord sees how they respond.
Transfer: The transfer or dumping off burdens, worries, cares, anxieties, stress, or loads is a spiritual act. It is done with humility, trust, and calling upon the Lord. Acknowledging the inability to solve the problem, knowing no other means, going into His presence trusting the Lord.
Thanksgiving: Paul adds that the transfer should be accompanied by thanksgiving. (Philippians 4:6-7) This is forward-looking thanksgiving in anticipation that the Lord will do the best.
Sustain: Peter quoting David states that Lord will sustain in that anxious context. Sustain means keeping safe and sound. Another meaning is not to allow the deterioration of the situation.
Peace: Paul adds that peace that is beyond comprehension would rule or abide in the hearts and minds.
Not let down: Lord will not let down but lift up the righteous. Those who are cleansed by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ are termed as righteous before God. Such people love the Lord, He will orchestrate all things to bring out ‘good’ for them.
Hopeless screaming: The screaming sisters did not have a relationship with the Lord, sadly their screams cannot bring transformation, only temporary relief. But, even whispers of the righteous, their groaning and unuttered words are petitions in His Sovereign Almighty presence.
Do I have the confidence that my prayers are heard?