Scripture: Psalm 13:1-2
"How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and day after day have sorrow in my heart?"
Lament is a bold and honest act of faith. It is the prayer we lift when life is too heavy and when God seems distant, and when we are weary of waiting for relief. Though many believe faith requires silence in suffering, Scripture teaches us otherwise. The psalms are filled with cries of anguish, and even Jesus lamented from the cross, asking, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46).
To lament is not to doubt God but to trust Him with our deepest pain. Lament acknowledges that things are not as they should be and that we feel abandoned, hurt, or confused. Yet, true lament does not end with a complaint—it moves toward hope.
David begins Psalm 13 in despair but concludes, “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation” (Psalm 13:5). Lament leads us to trust. It allows us to be real before God while reminding us of His faithfulness.
Today, if you are carrying burdens, take them to God honestly. Rant if you must. Cry out, as David did. But don’t stop there—also remember. Remember His faithfulness in the past. Ask for His help in the present. And trust in His promises for the future.
Prayer: Lord, hear my lament. I bring before You my pain and sorrow. I do not understand, but I know You are faithful. Teach me to trust in Your unfailing love, even when You seem silent. Amen.