The Psalms of Lament are a type of psalm found in the Book of Psalms in the Bible that express grief, sorrow, or despair to God. There are over 30 psalms that are considered laments, making up the largest category of psalms. The language in the laments is very emotive and honest, giving voice to human pain and struggles. Though they begin from a context of suffering, they ultimately end with an expression of trust and hope in God’s faithful love and deliverance.
Some common elements found in the Psalms of Lament include:
- An address to God
- The lament itself – a cry of deep distress
- A complaint or accusation against God
- A confession of trust in God despite the circumstances
- A petition or plea for God to hear and act
- Vows to praise God when the prayer is answered
Here are some examples of well-known Psalms of Lament:
Psalm 13
Psalm 13 is the cry of one who feels forgotten by God and is a desperate plea for Him to answer before it is too late. The psalmist is at the end of his rope and urgently needs God’s intervention, crying out “How long, O Lord?” four times. Even though the writer feels hopeless, he ends declaring his trust in God’s unfailing love.
Psalm 22
Psalm 22 is filled with vivid imagery of intense suffering. The first verse, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” was quoted by Jesus on the cross, showing His identification with human pain. The psalmist feels abandoned and mocked by others. He pleads with God to be near and deliver him. The tone shifts midway to joyful praise as the writer anticipates God’s salvation.
Psalm 42
Psalm 42 comes from someone who is deeply depressed from being exiled from Jerusalem. He is heartbroken that he cannot worship God at the temple and is overcome with despair. Throughout the psalm, he talks to himself and God, asking why he is so downcast and encouraging himself to hope in God once more. Though he feels forgotten, he chooses to remember God’s love.
Psalm 69
Psalm 69 is an intense lament from one who is being persecuted though he has done nothing wrong. He feels overwhelmed by the injustice and hatred around him. His pain and weeping are taking a toll on his health. The writer implores God to rescue him in His faithful love. He ends by praising God’s great salvation and anticipating His redemption.
Psalm 88
Psalm 88 is the darkest of all the lament psalms. The writer feels utterly abandoned by God and completely alone in his suffering. Throughout the psalm there is no shift in tone or mention of God’s faithful love. He only focuses on his pain and despair right until the end. This raw psalm shows it is still legitimate to bring even our darkest feelings openly before God.
The Psalms of Lament demonstrate that it is good and right to bring our honest cries of pain before our God who understands. By voicing our innermost wounds, griefs, and doubts, we can then choose to trust God’s character and promises. These psalms teach us God can handle our strong emotions and does not rebuke us for what we feel. We all go through seasons of hardship and heartache. What matters most is that we bring our true feelings to God, our refuge and strength.
Common Features in Psalms of Lament
Though each lament is unique, most contain several common elements that form their basic structure:
Direct Address to God
The psalmists waste no time in bringing their case directly before God. Psalm 43:1 demonstrates this: “Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause against an ungodly people.” There is no pretense or hiding. Boldly yet reverently, the writers plead with God to hear them.
Description of the Problem
The lament psalms give full expression to the sorrow, grief, or injustice the writer is facing. They are very graphic and emotive in describing their trouble. Psalm 102:1-2 says, “Hear my prayer, O Lord; let my cry come to you! Do not hide your face from me in the day of my distress!”
Statement of Innocence
Often the lament contains a statement of innocence – an assertion that the suffering is undeserved. The psalmist acknowledges their own sin at times, but still believes they do not warrant their current trial. Psalm 59:3-4 declares, “For behold, they lie in wait for my life; fierce men stir up strife against me. For no transgression or sin of mine, O Lord.”
Asking “Why?”
The writers frequently ask God “why?” about their circumstances. At times this is an expression of confusion, other times a demand for an explanation from God. Psalm 10:1 asks “Why, O Lord, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?”
Cries for Help
The cries for help are often the most passionate part of a lament psalm. The psalmists beg God to see, hear, and act on their behalf. Psalm 17:1 shows the intensity: “Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry! Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit.”
Praise and Trust
In the midst of their lamenting, the writers voice statements of continued trust and praise, believing God will intervene. Psalm 13:5-6 says, “But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.”
Vows Made to God
Often there are promises to praise God or fulfill a vow when the suffering is over. The writers anticipates God’s salvation and makes commitments for what they will do in response. Psalm 66:13-14 declares, “I will come into your house with burnt offerings; I will perform my vows to you, that which my lips uttered and my mouth promised when I was in trouble.”
Praise and Testimony of Deliverance
Some lament psalms include praise and testimony at the end when God has brought deliverance. While praying, the writer’s perspective shifts to proclaiming God’s response. Psalm 30:11-12 says, “You have turned for me mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!”
Major Themes in Psalms of Lament
There are several overarching theological themes that emerge throughout the lament psalms:
God’s Character
The psalmists anchor their laments in the character of God – His sovereign power, justice, steadfast love, and capacity to save. Despite their circumstances, they believe God hears them and can act. Psalm 59:16-17 says, “But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress. O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love.”
Enemies
Many lament psalms mention enemies that are causing suffering through injustice, slander, or oppression. Though the enemies seem strong, the psalmists ask God to intervene based on His righteousness. Psalm 35:19 declares, “Let not those rejoice over me who are wrongfully my foes.”
Innocence and Protest
The writers often insist they have done nothing to deserve their trial. They protest their circumstances while admitting their finitude before God. Psalm 17:3 says, “You have tried my heart, you have visited me by night, you have tested me, and you will find nothing.”
Anger and Vengeance
Expressions of anger and desire for vengeance against enemies frequently appear. But it is always directed to God, not taken independently. Psalm 94:1 says, “O Lord, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth!” The psalmists trust God to judge justly.
Death and Despair
The depth of despair in some laments is striking. The writers feel God has forgotten them and they face death. Psalm 88:3-5 says, “For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol. I am counted among those who go down to the pit; I am a man who has no strength.”
Hope and Praise
Even in the darkness, the psalmists cling to hope in God’s salvation. They erupt into praise as they anticipate God’s deliverance. Psalm 42:11 says, “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation.”
Reasons to Study Psalms of Lament
What can these ancient psalms of lament teach Christians today? There are many valuable reasons to study and reflect on them:
They Are Honest
The raw honesty of these psalms can help us voice our own deep pain to God. We do not have to hide our true feelings from Him. Our struggles may share similarities with those expressed centuries ago.
They Show It’s Ok to Question God
Asking God “why?” is not wrong, but rather an expression of our desire to understand Him. We can wrestle through issues while still trusting His character. God wants an authentic relationship.
They Encourage Emotional Processing
Reading painful emotions put into words can help us identify and process our own feelings with clarity. Seeing them worked through to hope can be cathartic.
They Reveal a Range of Emotions
Every human emotion imaginable is contained in the Psalms – joy, peace, anger, despair, fear, hope, love. They teach us our emotions do not surprise God.
They Affirm God’s Presence in Suffering
Though God sometimes feels far away, the psalmists show He actually meets us more intimately in our suffering. We are not alone even in the darkest valley.
They Focus Us on God
As the psalmists bring their laments to God, they remind us to ultimately focus on Him, not the hardship itself. Our deliverance comes from Him.
They Lead to Praise
Bringing our genuine cries to God redirects our vision to His redemption. As in the Psalms, our mourning turns to joyful praise as we experience His salvation.
They Foreshadow Christ
Many verses in the Psalms poetically describe the suffering and glory of Jesus (Psalm 22). We see how all human laments are taken up into His innocent suffering for our salvation.
They Show the Value of Community
While lament is personal, these Psalms were compiled for public worship. We need each other’s support in seasons of grief and pain. Suffering can isolate – community restores.
They Demonstrate the Value of Process
The Psalms do not portray quick solutions to pain. Working through laments takes time, struggle, prayer, and waiting on God. Healing is a journey.
In short, the Psalms of Lament reflect back to us our own humanity. Life involves suffering. Emotions run deep. God understands. He hears our cries for help. He remains with us and redeems our brokenness in His time.