the beauty of lament

There’s so much to lament in our present times.

Last week we rode by a house, falling in on itself with a sign out front that said FOOD WOULD HELP.

On opposite ends of our country, we see images of tragedy as hundreds wait in line for propane in western North Carolina, so many still displaced by Helene; and then as entire communities have been reduced to ash in California leaving families destitute.

This is a time for lament.

There is beauty in lament - the pouring out of our hearts before the Lord.

David offers many examples of lament in the Psalms and his is a form I can practice:

Listen, Lord, and answer me,

for I am poor and needy.

Protect my life, for I am faithful.

You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you.

Be gracious to me, Lord,

for I call to you all day long.

Psalm 86:1-3 CSB

This pouring out is a place to regain peace. It is a place where hope in His love appears as the waters recede. It is a place where His promises rise up from the ashes of tragedy.

It is a reviving of the heavy-laden heart.

We know the Lord can help us. And He invites us to ask. To pour out our own heart’s pain and longing, as we also cry out on behalf of others.

This is the beauty of lament.

Lord, we turn to You.

We need Your help.

We need Your promises of compassion and restoration,

Of guidance and love and truth.

And so we cry out to You.

Lord . . . revive us!

Amen.

Maybe you have something to lament in your life today…

Today is a GOOD day,

Natalie