Lamenting in the Wilderness
As we continue to make our way through Lent, we have opportunities to examine times when we have found ourselves in a wilderness, whether literally or figuratively. Often the Psalms of lament give us insight into those forlorn and painful situations. Their authors held nothing back. They didn’t craft the verses for social media with a market-tested message or use the perfect filter. They chronicled real struggles of real people who were genuinely distressed and seeking help, justice, mercy — and sometimes revenge — from the God of the universe. Despite their raw honesty, the laments were cradled in an absolute faith that God would act.
When David was on the run from Saul (I Samuel 22), he took refuge in a cave. Psalm 142 is David’s reflection on his predicament. Like other Psalms of lament, it follows a pattern that is marked by five components:
Invocation — directly addresses God by name and sometimes makes an initial plea (142:1–3a)
Charge — describes the circumstances that led to the complaint (142:3b–4)
Affirmation — declares confidence that God will act, based on His previous deeds (142:5)
Plea — often raw, petitions or begs God to act with haste and favor (142:6–7a)
Thanksgiving — pledges to give thanks and praise to God when the crisis is past (142:7b)
If you find yourself or someone you love:
- begging God for deliverance from pain, fear or addiction;
- in crisis, paralyzed by fear — crying white-hot tears of frustration, shame or despair;
- pleading for mercy — seeking relief from physical or emotional pain, financial ruin or the loss of dignity;
- mourning a life that ended too soon — or one that never survived outside the womb;
- aching from shattered dreams or relationships; or
- feeling weighed down by sorrow;
then consider writing a psalm of lament to the Lord. Following the aforementioned pattern lay out your charge and plea. Be forthright, acknowledging the depth of your pain or the urgency of the situation. Then, go back and add in the other sections. Remember that you are addressing the One who loves you most.
Recalling how He has shown His grace and mercy in the past, affirm your confidence that God will act. Vow to thank and praise God when you see evidence of His love coming to rescue in your wilderness.
