Learning to Lament

When grief, anger, or anxiety arise within us, lament provides a pathway to take refuge in God through prayer. But how exactly does that work? While not offering a strict formula to follow, the psalmists tend to move through four major movements as they cry out to God in faith. They address the Lord, voice distress, petition for help, and almost always include an expression of confidence or praise. These faith-filled movements show that while the specific content of laments can vary, their aim is always the same: bringing anguish to the Lord in trust.