Hopeful Sorrow: Lamenting Your PainSample

Choose to Trust

The final step of lament is a confession of trust in God. After we turn to God in faith, articulate our pain, complain, and make requests, we must actively choose to place our trust and hope in Him, even if the outcome to our prayer remains unknown. As post-resurrection people of God, our prayers of lament are anchored in our beliefs about God’s character as described in Scripture. While the psalmists certainly displayed hope in their trust, we can know on a deeper level, through Jesus, that God will meet us in our sorrowful cries and walk with us through every shadowy valley of death.

When the Darkness Doesn’t Lift

But what do we do when the idea of ending a lament in confident trust, or even joy, seems impossible? If this is you, allow me to point you to the dark words of Psalm 88, which are not to be misunderstood as faithless, for remember who these words were spoken to. Psalm 88 gives assurance to those feeling overthrown by despair that faith is still possible in the midst of such emotional turmoil.

The entire lament is directed toward God, indicating faith. He asks God to listen to his cry.

While God will never abandon you, you may find it comforting that the author of Psalm 88, which was sung by God’s people, felt this way too. And God included this in the canon. Woven throughout this psalm are expressions of isolation. The psalmist feels as though those you would expect help and support from have shunned him, leaving darkness as his only friend.

Darkness, not light. Is that the typical song you sing in your church? Probably not, but isn’t it comforting to those of us who have been in the pit?

While the ending is somber, it’s not hopeless. Children of God know that there really is no other way to endure depression other than seeking the Lord in prayer, even if it feels like no one is listening. I can assure you, your laments do not fall on deaf ears, for your Shepherd sees you, hears you, and He is with you as you walk through the valley.

Thank you for reading!

This plan was adapted from Hopeful Sorrow by author Julie Busler. Click here to learn more or purchase your copy.