Reflections: Times of Lament

Heartbreaking reports from the Texas flooding, combined with world news, local reports of accidents, and a friend’s health taking a final downturn, have brought me to a place of reflection about lament. All of these things are reasons to mourn or even ask, “Why, God?” 

I’m glad to see lament again finding its place in our corporate worship, as well as my own private devotional time. I recently wrote my own musings about “the third verse,” in which hymns of the church recognized life’s sorrows before turning to a victorious final verse about heaven and eternity with our Lord. Many decades-old songs about heaven were written by and for a generation who lived through the Great Depression and fought in one or both world wars; it brings me to tears just thinking about my dad singing “Keep on the Firing Line” and “When We All Get to Heaven.” 

For a while, though, it seemed popular to preach mostly messages of positivity and upbeat confessions. Worship leaders were advised to open with fast “enter His Gates” songs as worshipers arrived for church, although I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who didn’t always feel like singing them. I’m noticing, though, that many recent songs entering the praise and worship genre recognize life’s realities, even as we thank God for his constant and caring presence. Brandon Lake’s recent “Hard-Fought Hallelujah” resonated with many of us; and a few years back, “Raise A Hallelujah” was written by Bethel Music team members who had lost a child. My son and daughter-in-law found that song’s lyrics about “the middle of the storm” meaningful as they watched tiny Baby Gil fight for life in the NICU. Another member of their worship team led “Oh God, My God, I Need You” through tears as his son awaited heart surgery. 

Looking through the Bible shows that during our times of lament, we’re not alone. Many of David’s Psalms voice sentiments like “Where are you, God?” before eventually leading to his realization that even when fleeing from enemies or repenting of his own sin, God is there and worthy of praise. The prophet Jeremiah penned Lamentations about Israel. Jesus himself called out, “Why have You forsaken me?” as He faced the cross. The Apostle Paul asked God to remove his “thorn in the flesh,” even as he resolved to keep spreading the Gospel. 

Expressing thoughts of lament doesn’t equal a lack of faith. It can be the very thing that reminds us, like David, that God’s presence and goodness transcend our circumstances. If you’re having trouble processing personal, national, or worldwide troubles, don’t be afraid to express them to God in songs or prayers of lament! He already knows what you’re thinking, and his strength and comfort are as close as the breath it takes to cry out to Him.