Cry Out, Lament

In the last six days we’ve learned how to cry out to God in the midst of our anxiety, depression, and trauma through the spiritual discipline Lament. Today we’re going to make space to combine all we’ve learned and cry out to God.

You can utilize the components of lament in whatever way most authentically fits how God made you. I’ve utilized lamenting through poetry, simple journaling, songwriting, dancing, and so much more. Neuroscience tells us that when we confess what we feel, the distress we feel in our right brain (responsible for processing emotions) receives calming signals from the left side of the brain (responsible for words, language and meaning). I imagine this is why God urges us through Scripture to call on Him as King David did.

The practice of lament improves your mental health because it:

• Improves the brain's ability to utilize emotional imagery.
• Helps the brain process and resolve physical and emotional pain.
• Decreases anxiety and depressive symptoms.
• Improves mood.
• Improves immune system functioning by decreasing stress.
• Improves mental clarity.
• Improves memory.

It also helps us bear spiritual fruit by making room for us to:

• Worship God in spirit and truth.
• Develop spiritual insight and perspective.
• Be child-like before God as He has commanded us to.
• Demonstrate trust in God's divine sovereignty and plan.
• Posture ourselves to be comforted by God.
• Develop a habit of authentic presence before God as we are.

Remember that God sees you, is with you, and is eagerly waiting to hear your voice cry out to Him. When you can’t escape the anxiety, shake the depression, or forget the trauma, cry out to God through lament and allow Him to speak to your heart.

A prayer for your heart and soul:

Dad,

Thank you for your child who took time to learn how to cry out to you in the midst of their anguish, not after it. Lord, thank You that You hear us, that You see us, that You are deeply acquainted with our pain. When we develop the courage to cry out, help us to hear Your clear response to our pain through Your presence that You promise will be with us until the end of this age. Thank You for being with us. Amen