I’m examining the need for and the benefit of learning when and how to lament. Unfortunately, lamenting is sometimes seen as spiritual immaturity. You just haven’t learned to trust God, some would say.

I want to reassure you God has given us the green light to lament when it is needed. He invites you to pour out your heart to him, no holds barred, and express the deepest sorrow and grief you’re going through. And a lament always begins with talking to God first.

In Psalm 13 David began with questions—almost accusations to God from his broken heart and his puzzled mind. He prayed, consider and answer me, O Lord my God; light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death… And again, in Psalm 88:2, let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my cry!

What questions of lament do you need to bring to God today? It could be you’ve never really allowed yourself to verbalize your questions—the ones that sound like accusations. Like: Lord, I don’t understand why you haven’t healed my friend. I know you can, but you haven’t. Or, Lord, I know it is your will for my son to be born again, but even though he knows the truth, he refuses to accept you. Why? Or, Lord, you know how totally unfair and abusive this situation is at work, and I’ve prayed and prayed about it. Why haven’t you changed it?

Maybe those are the kind of questions you’ve thought, but you’ve never asked God. You probably won’t get answers to all your questions—God is not obligated to answer all our questions—but you will find comfort from bringing those questions to God.

Remember, don’t neglect the Word of God which will give you guidance and comfort. Talk to God and let him talk to you through his Word. You probably won’t feel like reading the Bible or even taking time to pray. That’s because when you’re in the midst of a troubling situation, your emotions become jumbled messes sometimes. But don’t let the enemy keep you from reading the Bible and praying your prayer of lament. Lean into what you know is true, not to your unreliable feelings.