"How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?" Psalms 13:1
Psalm 13 is a psalm of lament, one of over 60 psalms that express either individual or communal cries to God. A few months ago, someone asked me if I ever lament, and the question caught me off guard. What does it even mean to lament?
In the psalms of lament, we see people addressing God, voicing their complaints, and seeking His help. What stands out most in these laments is the transformation of the heart through prayer. As the psalmists pour out their complaints and requests, they ultimately arrive at a place of trust in God.
It's easy to get caught up in complaining to God, but true lamentation moves beyond complaints to express trust in Him. Are you merely venting to the Lord, or are you approaching Him with a heart of trust? By all means, come to God with everything-pour out your heart and share your struggles. But like the psalmist, may we end in trust: "But I have trusted in Your mercy; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, Because He has dealt bountifully with me." Psalms 13:5-6
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