In modern culture, there’s a high premium placed upon “looking on the bright side.” For the most part, people are uncomfortable with open expressions of grief, uncertainty, and sadness. Quite frankly, it makes us nervous. We aren’t keen on weakness or vulnerability. And to be fair, maintaining a positive attitude is important. Living with hopeful expectations is far healthier than habitually expecting the worst. Nobody wants to spend much time with a Debbie Downer. But everyone faces obstacles and experiences times of sadness, so how are we to respond?
In Psalm 44, the writer expressed that the nation of Israel was in a difficult situation. The Psalmist prays and acknowledges to God that He had helped Israel in the past (v.1-2), he’s asking for help now (v.4-5) and expresses frustration because from his vantage point, it doesn’t seem as if God is intervening on Israel’s behalf (v.9.-10). The writer goes as far as to say, “But you have rejected and humiliated us; you do not march out with your armies” (44:9).
These are pointed words that the Psalmist is directing toward God—but most of us can relate—because we’ve all felt this way. Most of us can recall times when God has helped us or provided provision in a situation. On the other hand, many of us have also experienced times of suffering when it seemed God had gone missing. When faced with this dilemma, we’re usually tempted with two lousy choices. First, it’s tempting to put on our game face and act like everything is fine. But everything isn’t fine—we’re getting our tails kicked and wondering, “Where is God when I need Him?”
The second option is we complain to anyone who will listen. This is problematic because if you don’t think God takes complaining seriously, go back and read the account of the Israelites in the wilderness. (Exodus 15-17, Numbers 1:1-11). God hates complaining. And so do our bosses, coworkers, and family members. Being a chronic complainer is a recipe for misery. Thankfully, the Bible offers a third option in the Psalms of lament.
The Psalms of Lament teach us to come before God in total transparency, laying our burdens before Him, and even complaining if we need to. They demonstrate to us how to pray when we are down and out and at the end of our rope. We can safely share our most personal thoughts with Him because God understands desperate people sometimes say desperate things. You might cringe at the thought of complaining to God. After all, the Israelites got it big trouble for that, right? (Numbers 11) The difference is that the Israelites complained about God and their circumstances. But they never vocalized their feelings to him in prayer. There is an enormous difference.
If you’re in an undesirable situation, rather than putting on your game face and acting as if everything is fine when it’s not—why not pour it out to God in a prayer of Lament? And rather than complaining to a well-meaning friend who might care, but cannot change the situation, consider praying to the One who can. God can handle what we have to say. And He can handle us. The Psalms of Lament give us permission to pray in this manner, and they show us how to get things off our chests and the ear of the ruler of the Universe.
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4 Responses
Hi Susan, always good to get your take on the God’s word. Yes indeed there is absolutely no point in trying to be something your not, ie trying to make something sound better than it really is before our heavenly father, as we are only fooling ourselves. God our Father knows all things about us as he can see right through to our hearts as he searches it as we pray into a situation. So let us not be afraid to be totally honest and forthright with our Father in prayer as I believe that’s the kind of righteous prayer he loves to hear, and He will act accordingly in Jesus name.
Amen, Ronnie. Thanks for your insight!
Good to hear this to help us along the way of life. Thank you
Thanks for reading, Nina! Great to hear from you.