The Practice of Lament

In the 6th century BC, the Jewish people were conquered by the Babylonians. The Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and the temple, and deported many of God's people. The Jews that remained were left to live in horrible conditions. In expressing their deep shame and grief, they wrote songs of suffering in the Old Testament book of Lamentations. This book is filled with deep anguish and sadness.

While we probably have never experienced this kind of national grief, our personal lives are sometimes filled with tremendous loss and hardship which cause us deep pain and anguish. Knowing this, I appreciate how lament is an important part of God's Word and God's people. While it's not something we're used to expressing to God these days, in various seasons of life, lament is normal and necessary for God's people. Lament is an honesty that draws one into a deeper relationship with God. We can find examples of lament in Lamentations, Psalms, and other books of the Bible as well.

In Lamentations, God's people openly expressed their feelings of shame and sadness over what had taken place. But in spite of their despair, they sought to cling to the Lord and look to Him for hope. Lamentations 3:19-24 expresses both this sadness and hope. It says, "I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, 'The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.'”

In times of sadness and despair, when your soul is downcast, remember that lament is normal and healthy. God hears and accepts your laments. He is a God of love and compassion. Turn to Him. Wait for Him. His mercies are new every morning. He is faithful.

God bless your week.

Pastor Darren