Discomfort is a Blessing
Discomfort is a Blessing: Embracing Lament as a Christian
I have read the Psalms many times before, however reading Psalm 130 recently, reminded me to stop and truly consider what it looks like when the Psalms call us to lament. In our fast-paced and achievement-focused society, we often find ourselves pressured to put on a facade of happiness, even when we are hurting deeply inside. We are rewarded for presenting a joyous face in public while privately most are likely wrestling with some sort of pain or internal wound. At times, we may feel the need to suppress our emotions or feel trapped in a state of depression that seems impossible to escape. But how many people in our churches are facing their lowest low in life right now? Statistics tell us that every few weeks/months there will be people in our congregations, that in the midst of our positive, energetic and lively worship services, there are some who are facing their lowest low in their entire lives. How as Christians, as church leaders should we respond to this?
We believe in expressing the joy that is within us is important, whilst, perhaps giving little space for lament. However, the ancient practice of lamenting offers us a powerful tool for our mental health and overall well-being. God is teaching us to face things through his word. To feel and face things in our hearts, minds and bodies.
The Jewish people understood the significance of lament. When they experienced deep sorrow or grief, they would clothe themselves in sackcloth, rub ashes on their heads, and sit at the gate of the city. This outward expression of their inner anguish was a reminder that how we live outwardly has an impact on our hearts and minds. In Ecclesiastes, it is written, “Sorrow is better than laughter, for by sadness of face the heart is made glad.” By choosing to express our sorrow honestly, we open ourselves up to the possibility of experiencing true joy.
Jesus himself acknowledged the importance of mourning when he said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” He assured us that he would fulfill his promises, and all we need to do is follow his guidance. Lamenting is not about dwelling in our pain indefinitely, but rather choosing to face it and feel it until Jesus brings healing and restoration.
Psalm 130 provides valuable insights. The psalmist cries out, “Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.” This resonates with the experiences of many within our congregations who are facing their lowest of lows. It is crucial that in our worship and lifestyle of Jesus we learn to recognise and create space for lamenting.
Lamenting involves recognising that we cannot fix our pain on our own, but God can. It requires us to acknowledge our hurt and wounds resulting from the actions and experiences of others. Lamenting is not about seeking comfort through making our lives as comfortable as possible; instead, it is about sitting in the discomfort and allowing the pain to dissipate as we trust in God’s healing power.
Furthermore, lamenting is a commitment to patient prayer and emotional engagement. It requires us to face our pain daily, allowing ourselves to fully feel it in our minds, hearts, and bodies. It is through this process that God teaches us to confront our challenges and experience his transformative work.
In our lamenting, we find hope in him. We choose to be present in the moment, acknowledging that we sit with God and trust in his timing. Lamenting is an active choice to surrender and believe in his eternal promises. As we pour out our hearts in prayer, we connect with the Almighty, allowing him to move and comfort us.
So, let us embrace the discomfort of lamenting. Let us acknowledge our feelings of hurt and anguish, recognising that God is with us in our pain. Lamenting strengthens our souls like nothing else, offering a profound connection with our Creator and a pathway to healing. As we surrender to God’s timing, we can find comfort and hope in the midst of our lamentation.
Lamenting means choosing to see that I cant fix this, so I’m going to feel this until Jesus finishes this. To do this I need to surrender to Gods timing.
Remember, praying as we lament is not a passive act but an active connection with the heart of the Almighty. It is through this connection that both our hearts and God’s heart are moved. So, let us choose to embrace the blessing of discomfort and engage in the transformative power of lamenting as we walk the path of faith.
Liam Daniels