Unfortunately, the world is not free from pain and sorrow. Whether you are a Christian or not, you will face trials and heartache. When sorrowful times come, many people may question whether God is with them or if He even cares. While Psalms is a book in the Bible full of joy and thanksgiving, it also contains something else, something called laments.
"1 How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2 How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? 3 Consider and answer me, O LORD my God; light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death, 4 lest my enemy say, "I have prevailed over him," lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken. 5 But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. 6 I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me." Psalm 13
Yes, things did not always go right with King David or the nation of Israel. The times of lament seen in the book of Psalms are a crying out to God, often in frustration, sadness, and confusion, and asking for His help. They remind us that we can take our unbelief to God and that He will see us through our sorrow and give us new hope! Even though David was in danger of losing his life, he never gave up on God and believed that He would come through and sustain him.
"1 With my voice I cry out to the LORD; with my voice I plead for mercy to the LORD. 2 I pour out my complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him. 3 When my spirit faints within me, you know my way! In the path where I walk they have hidden a trap for me. 4 Look to the right and see: there is none who takes notice of me; no refuge remains to me; no one cares for my soul. 5 I cry to you, O LORD; I say, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living." 6 Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low! Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me! 7 Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks to your name! The righteous will surround me, for you will deal bountifully with me."
Psalm 142
When we weep, we do not weep alone. God is there with us; He will not abandon us! Even with all David faced and even when he felt like God left him, he always spoke of God's steadfast faithfulness and love.
"75 I know, LORD, that your laws are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me. 76 May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. 77 Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight." Psalm 119: 75-77
I recently heard this song by Rend Collective, a spirit-filled band from Ireland, and it speaks such a beautiful truth that I want to share it with anyone who will listen. One of my favorite lines in the song is this:
"What's true in the light, is still true in the dark You're good, and You're kind, and You care for this heart."
Take a listen and pass on this message of hope to others that may be going through a time of sorrow and need to hear this!