Lament (Short)

Title: Go back to God and talk to Him about it.

Introduction

Some of us do not spend time alone with God because we are afraid, angry, or confused. Lament is a word we do not often use. Lament: to express sorrow, regret, or unhappiness about something. To learn how to lament, we must resolve to talk to God—to keep praying.

There are seasons were are pains moves us to a point where can no longer be silent 1 I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me. 2 In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted. Difficult prayers of lament are far better than silent despair. 3 I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah. 4 Thou holdest mine eyes waking: I am so troubled that I cannot speak.

Asaph asks six hard questions to God.

1. v.7 Will the Lord cast off for ever?

2. v.7 and will he be favourable no more?

3. v.8 Is his mercy clean gone for ever?

4. v.8 doth his promise fail for evermore?

5. v.9 Hath God forgotten to be gracious?

6. v.9 hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? Selah.

Meditation on God’s great acts of deliverance will turn lamentation into praise 10 And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High. 11 I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. 12 I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.

Asaph asks a wonderful question that praises God. 13 Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?

Belief in God creates challenging questions and lament provides the opportunity to direct our hearts toward what is truly, true not just what we feel to be true.

You need to talk to God. Tell him about your pain and ask Him your questions.