Day 12

Lament

from the reading plan


Psalm 71:9-24, Mark 15:33-34, John 11:1-44, Romans 12:15


The path became holy ground. As we wound our way through the sunlit woods, our conversation turned to the upcoming anniversary of her beloved boy’s death. Pain and dread cut through my friend like a knife. Words stuck in her throat and tears fell as she doubled over in grief. I stopped beside her and placed my hand on her back, yearning to bring comfort where no comfort could be found. There we stood in the middle of the path, undone before the Lord and each other. It seemed only the trees stood sentinel with us, our hearts crying out, “God, where are you? We can’t bear this pain! Why have you forsaken us?”

Can we really talk to God like this? Can we dare to call such questioning “holy”? I know I only dare enter this space of protest because He welcomes lament. And God doesn’t merely allow such soul-wrenching wrestling—He invites it.

Lament—the practice of bringing our struggles, mourning, and sorrow to God—is good and right. Scripture instructs us to “pour out [our] hearts before Him” (Psalm 62:8). In fact, over a third of the psalms are songs of sorrow and lament. Even Jesus, knowing that He would bring Lazarus back to life, was deeply troubled and openly wept over death (John 11:33–36).

We are not alone as we carry the weight of sadness, anger, disappointment, anxiety, and fear. All creation joins us as we groan for God to heal and restore every person, place, and thing (Romans 8:22). In lament, God offers us a release-valve as we actively express our emotions. We can pour out our pain to Him both personally and communally alongside others.

God invites us to echo the psalmists as we sing sorrow’s songs, and to honestly express our doubts and distress (see Psalm 13, 22, and 42). Yet, we often decline His invitation to lament, and the pressure of pain and anguish builds. Why do we resist? Maybe we feel guilty questioning God and think it’s sinful to admit struggle. Maybe we assume that acceptable faith should always appear positive and unshakeable. Or, maybe we equate being close to God with mountaintop experiences full of praise and celebration.

Let’s be clear: expressing both praise and pain to God is worship. Whether we are joyfully raising our hands or sorrowfully turning our tear-streaked faces toward Him, we are seeking God and engaging in genuine relationship with our Creator. As we lament, as we grieve, Jesus stands with us as the one who has wrestled with and beaten death itself. He gives the comfort of His presence that soothes, restores, and brings us back to life.

Patti Sauls lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband Scott and daughters, Abby and Ellie, where they serve alongside the people of Christ Presbyterian Church. Prior to living in Nashville, the Sauls planted churches in Kansas City and Saint Louis and served at New York City’s Redeemer Presbyterian Church. A trained speech therapist, Patti also enjoys serving behind the scenes, hiking with friends, and reading good books.

Written by Patti Sauls

Post Comments (7)

7 thoughts on "Lament"

  1. Mark says:

    Thank you Patti, nicely done.

  2. Scott M. says:

    The Devotions are being written by women often lately. Integrity is everything-the devotional feels dubbed, washed out, even wishy washy now.

    1. Chris says:

      This comment is rude and completely uncalled for.

    2. Ryan Johnson says:

      Mr Scott, I don’t know where you are at in your relationship with God, but assuming you identify as a follower of Jesus, I’d point you to Eph 4:29 here: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
      ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:29‬ ‭ESV‬‬

      You may not realize it, but your comment did not build anyone up, it did not fit the occasion whatsoever, and it gave absolutely no grace. Furthermore, I don’t think you realize how destructive these kinds of comments can be toward women, who have historically been silenced from living out their gift ministries given them by Jesus. You should repent brother and consider carefully Jesus’ nearness and what he thinks about your words and attitude toward other believers whom he himself loves and died for.

      1. Chris says:

        Ryan, very well said. Thank you for following up with a better challenge and encouragement than my initial reply. I was so caught off guard I didn’t quite have the words to say yet.

    3. Thomas N says:

      All are children of God regardless of gender. This woman isn’t claiming to be a pastor or a person establishing authority over us , they’re just sharing their opinions and thoughts on a topic and we’re reading their reflections on the verses . I don’t feel as if this woman is trying to assert authority over me

  3. Ryan Johnson says:

    Thank you, Patti! Very unique and artistic writing style filled with truth. It was encouraging to me. Jesus is honored by your work.

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