“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalm 103:2–5

Lament allows for a fuller sense of hope, and it names what only God can heal. Without experiencing or voicing the pain we feel, we can’t fully praise God for being the one and only that can and WILL rid us of all pain. Without the suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ, we have no reason for joy and celebration because suffering would not have been defeated. But Christ came to eliminate death and suffering forever, so that we could rejoice and have hope even in the midst of living in a grieving world.

In the Psalms are examples of grief and joy, unanswered questions, and deep rooted faith. Psalm 13 says, “How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day?… But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.”

The psalmist laments his pain coupled with trust. Most of my prayers have looked a lot like this Psalm. I’d ask questions knowing that I may never have an answer, and voiced everything that was grieving my heart. But lament gave way to praise, and it always led to a greater trust and love of Christ, because he is the ultimate giver of comfort and love. 

All this to say, clearly the world is suffering and grieving in pain. God knows, and he sees, and he cares. We must worship him through our lament and praise in times of abundance and in times of trials. Because he is the one who heals our diseases, frees the captives, gives sight to the blind, joy to those grieving, and salvation to the sinner. 

Sarah Lindsey, a writer, friend and partner with Sanctuary in Trauma. As a young bride in her early 20’s she was diagnosed with cancer. While battling this disease she exemplified a growing faith and surrender to her Creator. She is now with the Lord, but we continue to learn and grow through the wisdom she gained in the pain and sorrow of her journey.