The Gift of Lament

“My eyes will flow unceasingly, without relief, until the Lord looks down from heaven and sees.” —Lamentations 3:49-50

I don’t often find myself reading the book of Lamentations. Ascribed by ancient Jewish and Christian tradition to the prophet Jeremiah, this book “poignantly shares the overwhelming sense of loss that accompanied the destruction of the city” (NIV Study Bible). The city, of course, is Jerusalem in 586 B.C., a time so dire that starving “women eat their offspring” (Lam. 2:20).

Lately, however, lament is the only way I can describe my feelings about what’s happening in our country and the world.

A lament, by definition, is a passionate expression of grief or sorrow. The Psalms are filled with such words, like, “Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord…” (Psalm 130:1) and “Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all day long” (Ps. 86:3). But did you know that every prophetic book except Haggai includes one or more examples of lament? Just look at Jonah 2:1-10 or Micah 1:8-16.

When circumstances beyond our control threaten to overwhelm us, I find comfort in knowing that the Lord has provided a way for me to process my feelings. My problems, and the troubles of the world, may not change—and my ability to do anything about them may not either. But I can always choose to cast my cares on the Lord, and know by faith that He cares for me (1 Pet. 5:7).

Dear Lord, in You we have taken refuge. Be our rock of refuge, to which we can always turn. I praise You for Your faithfulness and great compassion. May Your ways be known on earth, and Your salvation among all nations. Amen.