This insight is one of three around the theme of ‘Mourning, Lament and finding Comfort.’
Bible readings to refer to: 2 Samuel 1: Lamentations: Psalm 38:
In thinking about lament it is important to identify and express it. To assess its impact and have hope. In each section we will seek to understand in a general (Gen) sense and from a biblical (Bib) perspective. The key to lament is feeling deeply about what has been lost and how to manifest such grief in various ways.
When we lose someone or something we can enter a time of horror and contrition. In our actions we may wail inwardly and outwardly. The pummeling of our bodies and a remaining in mourning clothes is a sign of our deep sorrow. To mourn and lament are closely aligned but require separate understanding in a psychological, material and spiritual sense.
In the book of Lamentations, which consists of five poems, they act as a dirge and expression of anguish concerning the plight of Judah. The nation was punished for her sin of idolatry, with Jerusalem reduced to ashes, and ‘exiled after her downfall’ (Lam 1:3), yet not without hope. We are reminded that a covenant keeping God offers restoration when repentance for sin is sought. In this context suffering can have a purpose in bringing discipline and hope. In Hebrew thought lament combines prophecy, ritual and wisdom and acts as an elaborate and continuous complaint.
N K Gottwald, 1 describes lament as a process ‘to encourage completeness in the expression of grief, the confession of sin and the instilling of hope.’ It is seen in poems, writings and songs that have their own rhythm known as ginah and can be realised in other forms of music.
Identify
(Gen) Lament may be conducted privately or publicly when mourning the absence of royalty and other influential leaders. We ponder on what we have had and miss, especially during times of war, plagues and a national conviction of sin.
Joe Biden, the new President of America, has been identified as a ‘man of sorrow,’ with journalist labelling him with the initials TBPT, ‘touched by personal tragedy.’ Many feel that such characteristics will help define his term in office.
At this point take time to identify any personal lament: past or present?
(Bib) We are encouraged to ‘record our laments’ (Psalm 56:8) and to ‘take up a lament’ (Ezekiel 19:1), and know that tears will not be far away (Lam1:16). The weeping prophet Jerimiah composed a ‘lament for the loss of King Josiah’ (2 Chronicles 35: 25).
Express
(Gen) When we support those who are experiencing bereavement, it is important to help them express their feelings in various ways. Lament is a matter of the heart and intellect and together through words and actions we may be able to deposit our pain and grief.
How are you expressing your feelings towards lament?
(Bib) David expressed deep sorrow over the death of King Saul and his close friend Jonathan (2 Samuel 1). He gathered his feelings into a poem/lament and asked the nation to memorise it. David also grieved over Bathsheba’s child (2 Sam 12). ‘My eyes weep endlessly, without relief until Yahweh looks down’ (Lam 3:49). In our weeping we can pray to a compassionate God (Psalm 116:5).
Assess
(Gen) It is important to assess the full impact a period of lament has upon us. For example, when we have been employed or unemployed we recognise the gain and what we miss, but might not have fully expressed it! The same may be true of relationships, faith, health, wealth and other personal experiences.
Consider how you have been affected by your times of lament?
It is vital to reflect and consider for a time such experiences and see the value and impact they have had upon us. In so doing it will ground us emotionally, alongside a continued sense of thanksgiving and sorrow. Within community we have many opportunities to share our grief as a sign of solidarity, love and support.
Job enjoyed playing his harp but found that it turned into a time of mourning (Job 30:31). Jeremiah actively ‘laments and wails’ (4:8). King David expressed regret and confession of his sin before God (Psalm 38). We are asked to ‘examine our path, let us ponder it and return to Yahweh’ (Lam 3:40).
Hope
(Gen) Various cultures and customs exhibit mourning and lament in different ways. A funeral is a rite of passage that recognises the loss of a loved one and allows mourners to begin to move forward into a different chapter of their life.
What hope have you gained from your expressions of lament?
(Bib) In lamenting and confessing, we hope for the forgiveness of our sins and a renewed relationship with God. The Lord is in the business of bringing new to old and hope to loss. ‘My portion is Yahweh’ says my soul’ and I will rejoice in him’ (Lam3:24) ‘Renew our days as in times past’ (Lam 5:21)
During this Covid19 pandemic there has and will continue to be, a great outpouring of lament for what we have missed and those we have lost. Eugene Paterson 2 in his book, considers the life, faith and lament of King David like a leap over a wall (Psalm 18:29 NKJV).
We weep for a time, only to laugh at a later date continuing in the gift of life given to us all. May we learn to identify, express, assess and have hope during seasons of lament?
Selah (pause to think calmly on what has just been read)
Graham
1. N K Gottwald (Studies in the Book of Lamentations, 1954) 2. Eugene Paterson. Leap over a Wall (Harper Collins, Grand Rapids, 1997) 3. Bray and Priest. Insight into Bereavement (Waverley Abbey insight series CWR.org.uk) 4. The Bible Dictionary.
Explore to Inspire 