Psalms of LamentНамуна

In the Old Testament, grief was expressed in many ways–including tearing your clothes, shaving your head, throwing dust on yourself, or wearing sackcloth. In the Hebrew language, lament means “to wail.” This definition indeed shows us the agonizing pain of lamenting.

Psalm 6, the first penitential psalm, expresses sorrowful repentance. David seemed to view God’s discipline as a punishment, but we know discipline is something our loving Father uses to train up His children in righteousness (Heb. 12:3-13). Just like a parent lovingly disciplines their child to help them grow and mature, God’s discipline is for our benefit. We see many elements of God’s character in this psalm–he is fair, gracious, loves faithfully, and listens to His children.

God uses our lament and desperation to shape us into who He has created us to be. Even in times of grief, sorrow, and unimaginable pain, God is doing good work within us.

God desires our obedience. In verse 8 we observe David’s hopelessness turn to confident joy. David pleaded with the Lord, and he listened. Just like the Lord heard the Israelites and delivered them from Egypt’s oppression (Deut. 26:7), the Lord heard David’s prayer. We should follow this example from David when we face seasons of suffering. Instead of asking God, “How much longer?” we should ask, “Lord, what are you teaching me through this?”

1. What is God teaching you in your life right now?
2. Have you ever experienced sorrow and delight in the Lord co-exist in your own life?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, allow me to find my strength in you alone. Teach me to surrender to your good plan for my life.

ESV, English Standard Version