The Song of Sorrow
Lamenting Before God
There is much sorrow in this life. Since the fall, the entire creation is groaning for full and final redemption; ‘and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:22-23, ESV). Jesus made it clear that we will have many troubles in this world as his followers. We know that all our troubles are filtered through God’s Sovereign and Good hands and ultimately lead to our good, but we still have to deal with the physical and/or emotional pain. Believing in this promise does not automatically remove it.
What is Lament?
Lamenting is a form of prayer where one turns to God to express sorrow, complaints, and grief. It is a God-given outlet. The Bible is filled with laments. Over a third of the Psalms are laments. I must confess; I felt very uncomfortable reading laments or lamenting for a long time. The idea of questioning God or complaining before him did not seem right. True, it is never right to rebelliously and defiantly approach God but lamenting is not that.
Dare to Hope in God
Consider how Job or David are crying out to God because they Hope in Him. They know that He is their only hope of deliverance. Lamenting before God is an act of trust in Him:
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. (Psalm 62:8, ESV)
Instead of turning to other people or other things to soothe our pain, we turn to God trusting that He is the Only One who can provide for our true needs and satisfy our deepest longings. We humbly and boldly approach the throne of Grace for help, covered by the blood of Jesus. We ask our Father heartfelt and honest questions, knowing that in His wisdom, He will most likely leave some unanswered.
Sing Your Heart Out
In the day of fear and anxiety, cry:
My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen on me. Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me…But I call to God, and the Lord will save me. (Psalm 55:4-5;16, ESV).
In the day of loss, weep:
From the end of the earth, I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I (Psalm 61:2, ESV).
In the day of weakness and sickness, pant:
Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony.
My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord, how long? (Psalm 6:2-3, NIV).
In the day of loneliness, call:
Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses (Psalm 25:16-17, ESV).
In the day of repentance, grieve:
For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight (Psalm 51:3-4, ESV).
God desires that we bring our whole hearts to him, joys and pains. He can handle it. He can make us whole.
