Therefore, Let Us Lament in Time of Trouble

Lately, I feel a heaviness that leads to lament.

We are living in a season of unthinkable tragedies, atrocities, and sheer evil on display all around. These are the things that drive us to lament—in time of trouble.

Therefore, let us lament.

In the English language, we would describe lament as an ardent display of sorrow or grief.

In 2 Samuel, chapter one, we find David lamenting the death of Saul and Jonathan. Both were significant in David's life. Saul sought to kill him. Jonathan was a beloved friend.

In the eyes of God, Saul had been a royal failure as leader, yet David honored and mourned the anointed king. His grief over the loss of Jonathan (Saul’s son), however, would have been almost unbearable.

"And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and Jonathan his son, and he said it should be taught to the people..." 2 Sam. 1.17 (ESV)

The next nine verses record David pouring out a prayerful lament. Considering this was David the psalmist, it was likely set to a melody expressive of…