Lament: A Prayer in Pain That Leads to Trust

Greetings brothers and sisters in Christ,

I heard from several people who shared that were blessed and encouraged when we focused on lament on Sunday, May 10. Sorrow and lament are not entirely avoidable in this life. Many of us know the pain of loss, of a difficult diagnosis, and of separation from those we love. What do we do about it? We lament. We offer up a prayer in pain that leads to trust.

I am so thankful for the biblical example, especially in the Psalms, and for the biblical pattern that people like David provided for us. Some good examples of the 50-60 lament Psalms are 10, 13, 22, 25, 42, 55, 56, 57, 70, 77, 79 and 142, where God’s people poured out their hearts to Him. Jesus himself was a man of sorrows and familiar with grief (Isaiah 53:3). Jesus can sympathize with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15), since he lived as a human being, like all of us. Talk to him.

I know that it is hard to pray in pain and grief. Some days sadness seems overwhelming. Sorrow is the appropriate response in this world broken by sin. “God’s comfort interrupts rather than eliminates sorrow. His joy disrupts rather than replaces grief. He gives you freedom from the domination of sorrow, not from the presence of sorrow (Jeremy Pierre).” God gives us hope as we make our way through sorrow.

I encourage you to continually TURN to God in prayer. Praying in your pain and about your pain takes a big step of faith, and it is a step in the right direction. As you turn, let God know what you are thinking and feeling, COMPLAIN to him. Look at the examples in the Psalms. David wrote, “How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day” (Psalm 13:2)? Be honest with God about your pain.

Next, ASK boldly. Pray God’s promises back to him, like “remember your mercy, O Lord, and your steadfast love” (Psalm 25:6). Find a Psalm of lament that says what you want to say and pray it to God. Finally, TRUST God. As Elisabeth Elliot says, hold onto the wonderful facts about God, even when you see terrible truths all around you. “But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation” (Psalm 13:5).

If you are a reader, consider Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy by Mark Vroegop. A great online resource is Christine Chappell’s website. She has some great resources, especially for moms. Encourage others by learning about lament and allow God to encourage you.

Blessings, Pastor Craig