What is Lamenting and How Does it Work?

What is Lamenting and How Does it Work?

According to Webster's dictionary, lamenting is expressing grief, disappointment, dissatisfaction, and injustice. As Christians, sometimes we try to assume a perpetually positive attitude, denying our own negative emotions. However, suppressing them is not healthy. Acknowledging our story cannot be easy to express but is needed to move forward.  The Bible teaches us that lamenting is part of healing. Healthy Laments not only allows us to express our grief and frustration but also acknowledge our own self-righteous attitudes of faithful confidence that often cause injury and pain to others.  Taking our frustrations to God helps us lay our hearts before Him, allowing healing through the Holy Spirit.

I recall a period in my life when everything worked against me. It was so easy to drift from God. My mom suggested pouring out my hurt, anger, and despair to God. That night I lay on the floor, vulnerably pouring out my emotions to God. That brave expression of sorrow changed my life. I asked God for why and for help and just had to trust He'd answer. It took some years, but it came to fruition. That doesn't mean you will still not have any struggles, but the memory of that moment reminds me of my gratitude.

Job's story in the Bible emphasizes this point. Though he was a faithful believer, Job suffered great loss and questioned God. Job 7:20 NIV says, “If I have sinned, what have I done to you, you who see everything I do?” We may question why we must endure such pain. It's perfectly natural to vent our frustrations, and lamenting gives us a way to do so. Afterward, we must turn to God, believing He is working out our ultimate good.