The Book of Psalms (30-Day Journey)ਨਮੂਨਾ

The Lord of the Lament

Martin Luther famously posted his 95 Theses in 1517. These statements challenged the Catholic church with questions that Luther couldn’t find answers to. Many consider Martin Luther the catalyst of the Protestant Reformation. Often, credit is given to him for creating a path for the layman to access scripture. Like many Christian leaders, Luther was a complicated guy. Luther studied in a monastery in Germany and was educated, disciplined, privileged, and favored, perhaps even in the eyes of God, yet despite everything going for him, he had spiritual despair. He suffered from inner turmoil, or as he titled it himself, “anfechtung,” which translates to temptation or trial. Luther used this word to describe his doubts, fears, and shortcomings.

A natural comparison is drawn to other biblical figures, like Paul, who begged God to remove his own “spiritual despair,” described as the thorn in his side. King David, who was a man after God’s own heart, but as we’re beginning to see through the book of Psalms, had a lot of inner turmoil. All these men lamented before God. “All my longings lie open before you, Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you. My heart pounds, my strength fails me; even the light has gone from my eyes.” (Psalm 38:9-10 NIV)

Lamenting is not a pity party. It’s a Christian discipline. The practice of lamenting is beneficial and fruitful. How? Because of who is listening. Conversing with friends is beneficial, but lamenting is Holy. To be vulnerable before the Lord is worshipful, as you allow intimacy to penetrate your relationship with Christ. This is the power of lamenting.

“So I remained utterly silent, not even saying anything good. But my anguish increased; my heart grew hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue: Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.” Psalm (39:2-4 NIV). David writes, “then I spoke with my tongue.” A lament is not just passing thoughts in your head. That’s worry. A lament is speaking what is in your heart out to God. It could be complaining, confessing, pouring out, acknowledging reality, and also acknowledging who’s listening.

But we also see a fruit of lamenting: “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” (Psalm 40:1-2 NIV)

The more we grow dependent on Christ, the more freedom from spiritual despair we experience. There are many reasons why we may experience “anfechtung”: pain, sickness, temptation, doubt, insecurity, and even sin. But just because despair is common does not mean it should be avoided or ignored. Despair is a beautiful opportunity for sanctification. Can sin make one sick? Absolutely. Is all sickness due to your personal shortcomings? Absolutely not. Does God use our humanity to increase our dependence on Him? Absolutely. If we are without sickness, sin, or despair, does this mean we can righteously grow independent? Absolutely not.

Perhaps you’re currently experiencing the present sting of a thorn in your side. Perhaps your personal sins feel extraordinarily heavy. Perhaps your fear of the future is crushing down on the days you’re living now. Perhaps you’ve been greatly misunderstood and have become the source of others’ gossip. Perhaps you’re right on the brink of sinning, and the temptation feels too great to overcome. Lament. Tell God you're sick of yourself, you're sick of your pain, you’re sick of your sickness and shortcomings and fear. Confess your need for Him. Then begin to praise. You’ll be amazed at the freedom and hope that comes as a result of honestly and completely opening up your heart to God.