Day 5: Finding hope in lament

Focus

Reflect on today’s reading using these questions.

1. What does the writer feel and express in this psalm?
2. How might hope arise out of expressions of lament?

Devotion

Psalm 10 begins with a question and complaint to God: “Why are you so far away, O LORD? Why do you hide yourself when we are in trouble?” (v 1).

The next ten verses (2–11) recount and detail the many ways evil and wicked people prey on the vulnerable around them—seemingly with impunity. The writer tells God about their pride: “The wicked say to themselves, ‘God does not care! He has closed his eyes and will never see me!’” (vs 11).

But notice the hope also expressed by the psalmist: “But you do see; you take notice of trouble and suffering … You will listen, O LORD, to the prayers of the lowly … You will hear the cries of the oppressed … You will judge in their favor” (vs 14, 17, 18).

It is not clear when justice will happen, but the writer trusts God to end terror, even as he begs God to do it now and laments that the wicked continue in their sinful ways.

Connect

1. Take a moment to look at the lament you wrote as a response to day 4 of this plan (or write a new one today).
2. What questions did you ask that illustrated your hope that God will make all things right?
3. Consider adding more lines today that express your desire for God’s justice.

Dig deeper

While many of the lament psalms are written from the perspective of an individual, there are also communal lament psalms that speak of the deep pain of a group or nation. Consider reading Psalm 44, 60, 74, 79, 80, 85, 86, or 90 to explore different facets of corporate lament.

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Thanks for finishing this reading plan!

Was this plan helpful? For more guidance on writing your own lament, you can download a brief guide that will walk you through the steps. https://www.traumahealingbasics.org/how-to-lament

Is there someone in your life who may need to hear about the idea of lament as an expression of trust, worship, and hope in God? Make time to talk with them about this.