What is Scripture? Who is the Messiah? How can I experience Confession? Up to this point, we’ve asked each of these questions through our study of the book of Psalms. These are exciting questions. They’re foundational and lead us into a deeper understanding of how to experience the Bible overall and grow deeper in our relationship to our Lord. Getting the right perspective on what the Bible is informs our ability to relish each word that it contains. Dropping into the perspective of the Old Testament Psalmists who looked forward to rescuing from their savior reminds us as Christians of the reality of redemption provided to us through God’s grace—prioritizing healthy confession prunes a healthy and fruit-producing relationship with Christ.
However, as we’ve explored each of these questions, I have been anticipating the week that we would finally get to talk about the Psalms that we can categorize as lamentations. These Psalms make up more than two-thirds of the book of Psalms all together. Beyond the Psalter, however, there are lamentations littered throughout scripture. From the early days recorded in the book of Job to Jesus’ final days on earth and even during the apostolic ministry of Paul, we find laments. There is an entire book entitled Lamentations that weeps over the destruction of Jerusalem. Still, in my Christian experience, I can’t recall ever discussing this concept outside of seminary.
Maybe, it is the unpopular nature of this forgotten discipline that makes me excited to pursue it. Perhaps, my inexperience in life and unfamiliarity with many of the circumstances that cause laments piqued my curiosity. Whatever the reason, I’m excited about learning about what it means to lament this week.
Let’s start by defining what the word ‘Lamentation’ means. A lament is often misunderstood as groaning or complaining about a situation that isn’t going the way we think that it should. That, however, couldn’t be further from the truth. Laments are a particular type of worship. Just like coming together, tithing, prayer, a daily bible reading discipline, observing the ordinance of baptism, or the Lord’s Supper are all acts of worship, lamenting is a unique form of worship. Ultimately, I define worship as obedience to God. This past Sunday, Bro. Wade shared during our sermon that obedience is “1) doing what you’re told, 2) when you’re told, 3) and with a good attitude.”
So how does a worshiping heart turn to God in obedience when an entire country is experiencing hardship? How does a Christian yield themselves to God in light of cancer, addiction, conflict, loneliness, or even abuse? The answer is with Lament! See, lamentation corrects a naive and false view of what it means to have faith. So, understanding this concept and this idea can be the catalyst that causes our faith to grow! How exciting – despite the subject matter.
If worship is obedience to let go of who we are to become more like Christ. There’s an apparent sacrifice as we give up ourselves for God’s purposes. We are giving up our talents and positions so that we can serve a kingdom that exists in heaven and will one day live on earth. Even then, we’re hesitant to hand over the burdens of the world with everything else to God.
Most laments have four distinct components that make them up. First, we have to decide to turn to God despite what we’re experiencing. Second, we have to acknowledge what the problem is. Third, we can boldly ask God to intervene and change the circumstances. Ultimately though, we must choose to trust God to meet our needs to get us through whatever we might be experiencing.
The reality is, by studying the various laments recorded in the psalm book can benefit us. We’re reminded that despite the joy of possessing hope is present in our lives; even Christians experience frustration and even discouragement in a world that contains the consequences of sin.
Week 4 Psalm Reading Plan
Here is a link to a daily Psalm reading plan that you may use as we Disrupt our Routine. We have included five days of focused study with a discussion question you can use as a journal response, or to start a conversation at lunchtime with your family. If you’re up for the challenge, we’ve planned out finishing the book of Psalms in this six-week study with some additional reading that sticks to each week’s theme.
Here’s a PDF link, too!