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The Power of Lament: Finding Strength in Grief

The Misconception of Joy

We all face difficult circumstances—whether it’s deep grief in our personal lives or the everyday struggles of teaching. In Christian circles, there’s often a pressure to quickly move past pain and return to joy. While we are called to have the joy of the Lord, the Bible provides space for grief and sorrow.

Lament is a biblical pattern that helps us process pain rather than suppress it. Too often, we assume that experiencing sorrow means we lack faith, but that’s not what Scripture teaches. True joy isn’t about forcing happiness; it’s about honestly bringing our pain to God and finding comfort in Him.

What is Lament?

Lament is more than mourning a great loss; it applies to any sorrow—big or small. It could be grief over a struggling student, frustration with a school policy, or heartbreak over national tragedies.

How often have we heard someone ask "If God is so good, why did this happen?"

Maybe you have even been that person!

Lament is the tool that God has given us to process the paradox of a good God and a broken world existing at the same time.

Because of lament we can come to understand truths like:

• God is good and loving.
• The world is full of pain and brokenness.
• God has the power to fix it, yet He allows suffering—for now.

Mark Vroegop, in Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy, defines lament as “the honest cry of a hurting heart wrestling with the paradox of pain and the promise of God’s goodness.”

The Four Key Steps of Lament

Lament is a biblical process seen throughout Scripture—in Psalms, Lamentations, Job, and even in Jesus’ words.

A structured lament follows four key steps:

1. Turn to God – Instead of withdrawing, we take our pain to Him. Even a simple “Help me, Lord” is a powerful first step.
2. Complain (Biblically) – Expressing pain is not the same as sinful complaining. Biblical lament includes honest questions:
   • “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1)
   • “Why, O Lord, do You stand far away?” (Psalm 10:1)

In modern language, this might sound like:

• “God, this policy is hurting the kids. Why is this happening?”
• “Lord, I know You are good, but it doesn’t feel that way right now.”

3. Ask Boldly – After bringing our pain, we ask for help. Laments often include urgent requests:
   • “Arise, Lord! Lift up Your hand!” (Psalm 10:12)
   • “Turn, O Lord, deliver my life.” (Psalm 6:4)

We can ask God to change circumstances or give us strength to endure.

4. Trust and Praise – Laments don’t always end with immediate relief, but they reaffirm faith:
   • “But I have trusted in Your steadfast love.” (Psalm 13:5)
   • “God, I don’t understand, but I choose to trust You.”

Even when life doesn’t make sense, lament helps us rest in God’s sovereignty.

Embracing Lament as a Teacher

Lament is not a sign of weak faith—it’s a God-given tool for healing. Instead of bottling up sorrow or forcing happiness, we can bring our struggles to Him, trusting that He is at work.

If you want to explore this further, Hope Renewed offers a full week on lament, blending Bible study and practical application. Visit teachfortheheart.com/hope-renewed for more.

Final Encouragement: No matter what you face, God is using you. Keep your eyes on Him, and teach with faith, knowing He is at work in and through you.

From remembering who you are, to dealing with the dreadfully difficult days, Hope Renewed was created for YOU!  Stay connected with Christ as you 

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