Should We Lament?
How long, Oh Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?
Psalm 13:1
Psalm 13, written by King David, is a Psalm of Lament, one of 50 or so in the Bible. In these Psalms the author expresses sadness, pain, or remorse. In Psalm 13, David questions God about his circumstances, appeals to Him for help, and then offers praise and thankfulness.
When we suffer from sadness, pain, or remorse, we also look to the Lord for help, but how do we approach Him without complaining or griping? Should we offer a prayer of lament? If so, how do we go about it?
Once again, our answer is in the Bible. We can look to one of the Psalms of Lament for guidance, including Psalms 6, Psalm 10, Psalm 38, Psalm 42, and Psalm 130.
“Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord! O Lord, hear my voice!” (Psalm 130:1 NIV)
Many Christians today think we should never lament. Biblical writers would disagree. They often brought their concerns to the Lord by stating the problem, asking for help, and then praising and thanking Him.
“Hear my prayer, Lord; let my cry for help come to you. Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress. Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly. For my days vanish like smoke; my bones burn like glowing embers.“ (Psalm 102:1-3 NIV)
In Psalm 13 King David openly brings his concerns to God—the One who seems to have caused the problems. By following the example of David, we can be encouraged to keep going.
“Lord, all my desire is before You; And my sighing is not hidden from You. My heart throbs, my strength fails me; And the light of my eyes, even that has gone from me. My loved ones and my friends stand aloof from my plague; And my kinsmen stand afar off.“ (Psalm 38:9-11 NIV)
Do you need to acknowledge that your spiritual life seems barren? That you cannot find the Lord no matter how you try? That the pain that racks your body seems unbearable?
“My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord, how long?“ (Psalm 6:3 NIV)
Can you today, pray with an open heart to the God who made you and pour out your concerns? You will not offend God with honesty. Only a proud spirit will keep you from being heard.
“Why, Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1 NIV)
Come to the Father of mercies and God of all comfort on your own behalf, and seek Him while He may be found. He wants to hear from you. He’s listening for your prayer.
“Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.” (Psalm 42:7 NIV)