We know life is hard and much is required of us. But there are days in which it seems we’re getting more than our fair share of difficulties. There’s one hurdle or dead end after another and it all seems too personal, as if someone is out to get us. And we very well might be in the crosshairs of our enemy. In any case, we know there’s more to life than this and so we cry out to the One who can make a difference.
Laments are a mix of anger and grief. On the one hand, there’s a righteous anger present because we’re experiencing a true injustice. Extra burdens and hardships have been placed in our path – seemingly beyond the normal struggles and difficulties of this life.
But more than merely being mad or frustrated at the situation, there’s also grief and sorrow present as we’re keenly aware of the goodness and beauty we’re missing.
Even still, lamenting is not just complaining about our lot in life. Our lament is a type of prayer and earnest appeal to God to make a difference in our circumstances – to show up as only he can to turn our sorrow into dancing.
And so, we might offer laments for our marriage and kids, the work of our hands, and for our communities. Certainly, there are many things that weigh heavy on our hearts and we pray for God to make it right – to restore the sparkle to our eyes and to not let darkness have the upper hand in our life.
To be sure, this is not a prayer simply to make life easier. It’s praying for the fullness of beauty and life that’s rightly ours as the true sons of God.
In the end, allow your soul to express deep laments when things in your life are not yet as they should be. And keep looking to the One who can answer and bring joy to your heart again.
Photo by Scott Umstattd on Unsplash
