Honest and Healthy Laments
Day 36 – 31 Mar (Tue)
I have been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is. So I say, “My splendour is gone and all that I had hoped from the Lord.” Lamentations 3:17-18
In Lamentations 3:1–18, the author presents a deeply personal account of suffering. He describes feeling trapped in darkness and brokenness—overwhelmed by bitterness and a profound sense of hopelessness. His words reflect intense anguish, as he attributes his suffering to the wrath of God. This is a moment of raw despair, where he feels abandoned and stripped of all hope.
Yet, even within this darkness, there is a turning point where the author starts to recall God’s faithfulness, his unfailing love, and the hope that can still be found in him.
As Christians, we are often taught to remain positive—to believe that we should not complain or be overwhelmed by negative emotions, but instead always demonstrate strong faith in God. This expectation can sometimes make us feel less human, as if we must suppress feelings such as sadness, disappointment, or weariness.
Yet I find great comfort in the author’s honesty. His raw expression of grief shows us a healthy way to lament before God. It reminds us that lament does not mean a lack of faith. Rather, it acknowledges that we do experience dark and difficult seasons. In those moments, we bring our brokenness before God, trusting that hope can still be found in Him.
Life is not always filled with joy and positivity. Yet it is often in the lowest moments that we come to recognise that our lives are truly in God’s hands. When we focus only on our suffering, we see only ourselves. But when we turn our eyes to God, we begin to see His presence—even in the darkness.
May we learn to lament in a healthy and honest way—one that draws us closer to God and anchors us in hope. For Christ Himself suffered for us and bore the wrath of God on our behalf, so that we might return to Him, find peace, and rest in His eternal love.
Jocelyn Choo🙏✝️
Pastoral Staff