Jimbo's Jots

Matthew Dowling, preaching minister at Plymouth Church of Christ, is preaching a series in the month of July focusing on the Psalms. I thought I would partner with it and look at Psalms of Lament from a therapeutic perspective. This is part one of three.

“How long, LORD? Will You forget me forever?” — Psalm 13:1

Those words may surprise us. They are not spoken by someone who has abandoned God, but by David—a man described as “after God’s own heart.” Perhaps that’s one of the greatest gifts of the Psalms. They remind us that faithful people sometimes struggle. They grieve. They become discouraged. They ask difficult questions. They wonder why God seems silent. And God, in His grace, preserved their prayers for us.

Nearly one-third of the Psalms are classified as lament. That means a significant portion of Israel’s worship book is devoted not to celebration, but to honest conversations with God during seasons of pain. These prayers give voice to sorrow, fear, disappointment, loneliness, injustice, and waiting. They teach us that bringing our burdens to God is not a sign of weak faith—it is an expression of genuine faith.

Unfortunately, many of us have learned a different lesson. We assume that being a good Christian means always appearing joyful or confident. We may hesitate to admit our fears or acknowledge our grief, believing that strong faith leaves little room for questions. The Psalms tell a different story.

The writers of these prayers never pretend their pain doesn’t exist. They don’t hide their tears behind religious language or polished smiles. Instead, they bring every emotion before God. They ask, “Why?” They cry, “How long?” They plead for help. Yet through it all, they continue speaking to the One they trust.

This wisdom is echoed in what counselors and mental health professionals have observed for years. Healing rarely begins by pretending everything is fine. Instead, healing often starts when we can honestly acknowledge what we are experiencing. Naming our pain does not make it stronger; it helps us understand it. What remains buried often grows heavier, but what is brought into the light can begin to heal. The Bible understood this long before psychology gave us language for it.

Lament is God’s invitation to bring our whole selves into His presence—not only our gratitude and confidence, but also our confusion, sorrow, disappointment, and unanswered questions. He already knows what is in our hearts. Lament simply gives us permission to tell Him.

This week, if you find yourself carrying a burden, consider spending a few quiet moments reading Psalm 13, Psalm 42, or Psalm 77. Notice how honestly the psalmists speak with God. Then, instead of searching for the “right” words, simply begin where they began—with honesty.

God is not intimidated by our questions, nor offended by our tears. He welcomes us just as a loving Father welcomes His children. The psalms of lament remind us that faith is not pretending everything is okay. Faith is bringing everything to the One who promises never to leave us.

Reflection: What burden have you been carrying quietly? This week, consider turning it into a prayer. You don’t need polished words—just an honest heart.

Be blessed!! Be a blessing!!