Day 4: Writing your own psalm of lament

Focus

Reflect on today’s reading using these questions.

1. What does the psalmist express as questions for God?
2. What complaints are present in this psalm?

Devotion

Psalm 13 is a short example of a lament psalm. In just six verses, this psalm exemplifies common aspects of a lament, including:

• address of God (“LORD,” vs 1),
• complaint (“How much longer will you forget me …, how long will my enemies …?”, vs 1–2),
• request for deliverance (“Look at me … Restore my strength … Don’t let them gloat over me”, vs 3–4),
• and a promise of future praise (“I will be glad … I will sing”, vs 5–6).

Not every lament psalm has all of these elements—but they all contain a complaint. Read the psalm again and notice how these elements are present.

Connect

1. Take a moment to consider some things that weigh heavy on your heart. What might you lament?
2. Try writing some lines of complaint and lament of your own.

Sometimes when we begin to write, we are surprised by the depth and breadth of the pain we feel. What was it like to write your lines? Did anything surprise you? What kind of feelings did it bring up for you?

Dig deeper

Consider sharing what you have written with someone you trust and who is willing to listen. You could also share what the experience of writing was like for you.