Good Grief Part 2: Learning to Lament in the Psalmsமாதிரி

IT IS WELL

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Psalm 22:1

The pain in this Psalm written by David is palpable. His pain is so great, and he’s not felt relief from his agony or heard answers to his cries. David feels completely alone. He’s broken down from the ridicule he’s experiencing. [Interesting to note: These are the same words that Jesus will cry out to his Father while on the cross on the day of His crucifixion in Matthew 27:46.]

David is wondering where his God is.

“Be not far from me, for trouble is near and there is none to help.” Psalm 22:11

After some more crying out and requests for God to show up comes the praise.

“I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation, I will praise you.” Psalm 22:22

Our grief can turn to trust when we go to God and express our pain and desires. The outcome might not be what we want, but the beauty in trusting God is that it doesn’t have to be. David recognizes and acknowledges his pain as part of the greater story that God is writing in his people.

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Horatio G. Spafford, 1873

Spafford suffered immense losses in a short period. He was an attorney and real estate investor who endured great financial loss during the great Chicago fire in 1871. Not long after, his four-year-old son died from scarlet fever. To help his family heal, Spafford sent his wife and four daughters to Europe by boat to recover. The boat sank in the Atlantic Ocean on the way, and his four daughters perished. His wife was alone. As Spafford journeyed to Europe to be with his grieving wife, he penned the words to this now widely known and widely sung hymn. Even amid his greatest and deepest suffering, his lament becomes his peace because he trusts in God.

Everyone’s grief story is different, but we can find hope in watching others who choose to trust even when their circumstances are beyond understanding. Our lament leads us toward trusting God.

Ask Yourself and Journal:

-What did I learn about God in these passages?

-Do I live my life like I truly believe “it is well” despite what life might bring at me?

-If the answer to the above question is no, what next steps can I take?

Pause to Pray: God, sometimes I feel so alone when I’m hurting. Sometimes I forget that you’re still right there no matter how I feel. Help me see your hand in my life and trust you in new ways.