In a recent Sunday morning message, I spoke about the practice of “lamenting” before God. A lament is an honest cry from a hurting heart, struggling with the pain of life while also holding onto the promises of God. Many followers of Christ hesitate to lament, believing they should handle their pain, disappointment, or suffering on their own. This, however, is a dangerous path, as it leads us to rely on our own limited strength and wisdom rather than seeking God’s help in our time of need. I want to encourage all of us to come before the Lord with honesty, pour out our hearts to Him, and trust in His promises to bring the healing we so desperately need.
However, how we approach lamenting matters. It’s not enough to simply vent our frustrations or express our sorrow. Our hearts must be postured toward God, seeking to engage with Him in truth while also looking expectantly toward His promises for comfort and relief. Often, we find peace in the Lord, not because our circumstances immediately change, but because He gives us the strength to rest, even in the midst of suffering.
We see this beautifully illustrated in Psalm 3, where King David laments to God while fleeing from his son, Absalom. In verses 1-2, David shares the painful reality of his situation. Yet, in verses 3-6, we see the turning point:
“But you, O Lord, are a shield about me,
my glory, and the lifter of my head.
I cried aloud to the Lord,
and He answered me from His holy hill.
I lay down and slept; I woke again,
for the Lord sustained me.
I will not be afraid of many thousands of people
who have set themselves against me all around.”
Though David’s external circumstances hadn’t changed—he was still on the run, with thousands of enemies against him—he found peace in God. He cried out to the Lord, and the Lord heard him. As a result, David was able to rest in the middle of his
turmoil. This is a powerful truth for us to embrace as well. While we may go through seasons of hurt, pain, or loss, if we approach God honestly and cry out to Him, He will give us the strength to rest in Him, even when everything around us is falling apart.
Lamenting to God is crucial because of the many spiritual benefits it offers. Consider just a few of them:
- It fosters honesty in our relationship with God.
- It frees us from the need to rely on our own strength to get through tough seasons.
- It prevents bitterness, as we refuse to let unspoken sorrow fester into resentment or despair.
- It strengthens our faith, helping us to trust in God even when life feels unbearable.
However, experiencing these benefits isn’t always easy. There are several obstacles that can hinder us from truly lamenting. Some view lamenting as a sign of spiritual weakness. Others feel the pressure to maintain a “positive” outlook, even when life is anything but. And still, others fear judgment from others if they open up about their pain and struggles before God. But by God’s grace, He can help us overcome these barriers, enabling us to find true rest in Him, even in the hardest of times.
My prayer is that God would give you the courage to be honest with Him, to pour out your heart without fear of judgment. I’m not talking about complaining or blaming God in anger, but rather approaching Him with a heart of honest confession—acknowledging your pain, hurt, and disappointment. As you do, I trust that God will minister to you through His sure promises, bringing the peace and rest you need in even the darkest seasons of life.
I love you all, and I am honored to serve as your pastor.
