Lament Psalms are sad songs. In other words, they are direct laments from the Psalmists. These psalms are often written during a hardship or after a hardship. Lament Psalms end with a praise to the Lord and a heart focused on Him. Through lamenting their concerns to the Lord, He provides them with lasting peace and comfort.
When we look at lament psalms, we can learn much about our own relationship with the Lord. While we might come to Him in a state of being distraught or upset, we can walk away with a peaceful heart. This is because we are giving over all of these hard feelings to the Lord. Rather than holding onto them, we trust them in the hands of the Lord. As believers, we need to continue doing this and bring all our feelings to the foot of the cross.
Examples of Lament Psalms:
“I am worn out from my groaning. All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes. Away from me, all you who do evil, for the Lord has heard my weeping.” (Psalm 6:6-8)
“In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God.” (Psalm 31:1-5)
“Lord, you are the God who saves me; day and night I cry out to you. May my prayer come before you; turn your ear to my cry. I am overwhelmed with troubles, and my life draws near to death. I am counted among those who go down to the pit; I am like one without strength. I am set apart with the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom you remember no more, who are cut off from your care.” (Psalm 88:1-5)
Challenge Questions:
- Have you related to any of these lament Psalms? Why or why not?
- Praying lament psalms can be very soothing. Do you think you will pray a lament Psalm today?
- As a family, do you feel as though lament Psalms are often thought about in your home? Why or why not?
Prayer: “Dear Jesus, I see the importance of bringing my worries, feelings, and emotions to You. Please help me to be vulnerable and share all of these feelings with You each day. Thank You for allowing me to be honest in my prayers. Amen.”
Related:
What Does it Mean to Lament? Bible Meaning Explained
20 Psalms to Read When Life Is Miserable
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Thai Noipho
