Good Grief Part 5: Learning to Lament Your SinSample

RIPPLE EFFECTS

As we close our short study on lamenting our sin with Psalm 51, let’s make one final observation. David’s lament of his private sin recognizes the ripple effects of his disobedience beyond his own life and seeks to use the personal pain of his failure to lead others in a better way. He commits to teaching fellow sinners God’s ways and then, as the human King of God’s people, he intercedes for the prosperity of Jerusalem. He understood the close connection between the faithfulness of a king to the blessing of his people and he knew that as a leader and example his failure would have a broader impact on the nation as a whole. He asks God to bless the nation despite his shortcomings.

In addition to humbling himself before God and those he would teach directly, notice that David composed this psalm “For the director of music.” This indicates that it was intended for use in temple worship services. It was not written for David’s private use alone, but also as a worship model for generations to come.

We’re not all kings, but we all have influence on the lives of people around us. This means that our sin too will have ripple effects. David’s lessons about honesty, submission, and trust serves to remind us that like him our pain can be transformed into a path forward if we will trust God with it. Jesus himself similarly instructed Peter in Luke 22. He knew that Peter would fail – and that would be difficult and painful – but he also knew that the experience could transform Peter and be used to strengthen the kingdom. The practice of Biblical lament is one of the tools we have been given to help us process our pain and allow it to transform us for our good and God’s glory.

Ask Yourself:

-What are some of the ripple effects of David’s sin in this situation?

-How do you think recognizing those impacted his journey back to obedience?

-How can this help you think about your sin differently?

Pause to Pray: Heavenly Father, I confess that I don’t always think about the broader impact of my sins on my loved ones and neighbors. Please transform my heart so that I may be used by you to strengthen others and be an example of your redemptive mercy. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Living Lament: Invest some time composing your own lament poem today. Think back through the things God has been showing and teaching you this week and pour out your heart on the page.

Continue your biblical study of lament with one of these whoisgrace reading plans:

Good Grief: Learning to Lament with Job

Good Grief: Learning to Lament in the Psalms

Good Grief: Learning to Lament with Jesus

Good Grief: Learning to Lament in Lamentations

Find more resources at www.whoisgrace.com/READ.