In Psalm 40, the Psalmist writes a psalm of praise. Like all psalms, the Psalmist lists specific reasons why he praises God. Amidst these reasons, he includes that God “drew [him] up from the pit of destruction,” and “set [his] feet upon a rock, making [his] steps secure” (v. 2). The first three verses present the Psalmist crying out to God, God hearing his plea, saving him from destruction, and “putting a new song in [his] mouth” (v. 3). The Psalmist clearly illustrates his reason for praise: God saved him from destruction.
The reality of suffering affects us all. Because of the nature of this world, pain and suffering on earth is inevitable. During seasons of suffering, one’s focus can easily shift from praising God to one’s pain. Even the sight of God’s goodness and mercy can be clouded by the suffering that afflicts the life of a Christian. In these times, though God is still praiseworthy, genuinely praising him becomes difficult. However, this is not an admission that should cause guilt to the Christian.
We serve a God who deserves our praise but will listen to our lament in times of need. Righteous people like Moses (Num. 11:11-15), Samson (Judg. 16:28), Hannah (1 Sam. 1:9–11), David (2 Sam. 1:17–27), and Habakkuk (Hab. 1:2–5) understand this concept, as they each are recorded to have gone before God in lament. Lament is turning to God in a time of suffering to express a problem, articulate emotions, and propose a solution. It is a privilege that many in the Bible who endure suffering find advantageous. Those who go to God in lament turn to Him with an understanding that He is a God of hope and deliverance and can work in the worst of situations. A Christian’s lament is heard and understood by God, not as a disrespectful complaint, but as an honest and desperate plea from His child.
The one who laments is never intended to stay in a state of lamentation because lament is always on the road to praise. Christians must understand lament and the ability to still approach God even in times when one may not be able to praise Him genuinely. God desires sincerity from His children, whether sincere lament or sincere praise. Praise that is not rooted in lament is at risk of being artificial and forced. However, genuine praise stems from the realization that we each were once in a state of suffering and God delivered us. This declaration of God’s deliverance should bring vividness and sincerity to our praise.
For the one who is suffering, turn to God with your sincere lament and allow Him to deliver you. For the one on the other side of lament, recognize the pain of others (Rom. 12:15) and praise the God who delivers.
Nate Kidwell
Dalraida church of Christ is a congregation of Christians that meet in the mid-town area of Montgomery, Alabama. Our goal and purpose is to seek and follow God and His Word in everything that we do in life.