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 great sorrow and anguish.
In the New Testament, there is an important reference concerning lament. In John 16, Jesus spoke of the heaviness of lament, as he explained to his disciples what he meant by the words " [in] a little while...you will see me no longer..." In this passage, Jesus was predicting his own death, and preparing his followers for what was to come. He surely knew it would be, for them, a time of great trouble.
"Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy." John 16.20 (ESV)
This word lament holds the same basic meaning in both the Old and New Testaments. Picture mourners wailing at a funeral gathering, and you have the right idea.
Such behavior would have been quite common in biblical culture. In certain settings then, and in some cultures still today, wailing, and dramatic display are an expected part of funeral proceedings.
What does all of this mean for us, today?
In this life, we will face disappointment and uncertainty. There will be seasons of sorrow and unimaginable grief. We will look around our communities, observe the unthinkable tragedies, atrocities, and sheer evil on display, and discover we have no words.
In prayer, weeping comes up from the depth of our souls. Therefore, let us lament.
Friend, when this happens, know that you are in a time of lament.
In moments like this, give yourself over to it. Honestly, I have found this to be the best approach. Go on and express to God the emotions you are feeling. Be gut honest. God can handle it.
If you need to, lay prostrate on the floor in your place of prayer. Sit with Jesus. Play worship music. Read the Psalms. Allow the Spirit of God to pray through you. Remember, He alone is our very present help in trouble (Psalm 46.1). Therefore, let us lament.
As you labor in prayer and walk through the heaviness of lament, find comfort in these words of Jesus, found later in John 16, where Jesus continues to encourage his disciples.
"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." John 16.33 (NLT)
Even in lamenting, we can find joy in Jesus and his overcoming power. Hallelujah!