Lament 2: A Time to Remember

As we learned in week one, to lament is to express sorrow or to mourn over.  There are moments, circumstances, and/or experiences in our lives that we must grieve.  We must take time to remember where we have been so that we can get where we are going.

Psalm 77

I cry out to God; yes, I shout.
    Oh, that God would listen to me!

When I was in deep trouble,
    I searched for the Lord.
All night long I prayed, with hands lifted toward heaven,
    but my soul was not comforted.

I think of God, and I moan,
    overwhelmed with longing for his help. 

You don’t let me sleep.
    I am too distressed even to pray!

I think of the good old days,
    long since ended,

When my nights were filled with joyful songs.
    I search my soul and ponder the difference now.

Has the Lord rejected me forever?
    Will he never again be kind to me?

Is his unfailing love gone forever?
    Have his promises permanently failed?

Has God forgotten to be gracious?
    Has he slammed the door on his compassion? 

And I said, “This is my fate;
    the Most High has turned his hand against me.”

But then I recall all you have done, O Lord;
    I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago.

They are constantly in my thoughts.
    I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works.

O God, your ways are holy.
    Is there any god as mighty as you? 

You are the God of great wonders!
    You demonstrate your awesome power among the nations.

By your strong arm, you redeemed your people,
    the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. 

When the Red Sea saw you, O God,
    It’s waters looked and trembled!
    The sea quaked to its very depths.

The clouds poured down rain;
    The thunder rumbled in the sky.
    Your arrows of lightning flashed.

Your thunder roared from the whirlwind;
    The lightning lit up the world!
    The earth trembled and shook.

Your road led through the sea,
    your pathway through the mighty waters—
    a pathway no one knew was there!

You led your people along that road like a flock of sheep,
    with Moses and Aaron as their shepherds.

As we can see in this psalm, lament is a process.  When times are tough, what is your first response?  To grumble, vent, or speak criticism?  To sit in patience, giving God thanks, or asking for His wisdom?  I’m far from perfect; there are more times than not in which I am quick to complain or get upset.  I like to have too much control over my situation and circumstances.  It’s not logical, I know.

In this psalm, the psalmist is open about his anguish.  He’s not afraid to ask the tough questions.  There is a level of pain.

The psalmist feels as if he has been forgotten.  Can you relate?  It’s easy when we are knee-deep in the worst ache to feel as if God sees everyone else but us.  To wonder what good, if any, can come from the ache we find ourselves in.  I know, I’ve been there too.  And there are times in which the ache continues for more than just a day.  Sometimes it’s tough for a season or two.  Challenging our hope to the utmost degree.

The psalmist then shifts gears to remembering.  Focusing on the good that God has done and will do.  A shift in perspective to a reminder that we are not alone.  Even in those times in which we feel so very alone.  When we choose to remember God’s goodness, our perspective focuses on good things.  Allowing us to know and believe that our God is good and faithful and sovereign.  Working His plans in His perfect timing.  As Scripture says, working all things together for His ultimate good and glory (Romans 8:28). 

Our God is not a God who fails.  Our God cannot be limited or constrained.  What will you do in your ache?  In the wait?  Will you speak to God honestly while remembering all that He has done and all that He will do?  To lament is to remember that you are not alone, even in the most challenging of times.