Life isn’t all bright mornings and answered prayers. There are days when the grief runs deep, the silence feels deafening and all we can do is ask, God, where are You? And believe it or not—that’s not a sign of weak faith. It’s actually something deeply biblical.

Lament is the practice of bringing our sorrow to God. It’s messy. It’s honest. And it’s holy.

A Faith That Cries Out

The Bible doesn’t shy away from grief—and neither should we. In fact, the Psalms are filled with honest cries from hurting hearts. Psalm 13:1-2 says, “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” Sound familiar?

Even Jesus cried out in anguish. So if you’re wrestling with heartache, doubt or disappointment, you’re in good company. Lament doesn’t mean you’ve given up on God. It means you trust Him enough to bring Him your deepest pain.

And even when everything feels like it’s falling apart, the truth of God’s faithfulness remains. Lamentations 3:22-24 reminds us, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed… His compassions never fail… The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”

Letting the Grief Breathe

Lament isn’t about fixing the pain. It’s about naming it. Letting it breathe. When you pour your heart out to God, you give your sorrow a place to land. And that simple act can bring a surprising amount of peace.

It’s in those quiet, tear-filled moments that we often feel God’s presence the most. Psalm 34:18 promises, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” Not watching from afar—close.

Growing Closer to God and Others

When you lament, you’re not just surviving the hard season—you’re deepening your relationship with God. You’re saying, I trust You with the real me. And there’s power in that kind of raw honesty.

It also opens the door for deeper community. When you’re vulnerable about your grief, it creates space for others to be real too. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us that we weren’t meant to walk through pain alone. “If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”

A Few Ways to Practice Lament

  • Write It Out: Keep a journal. Scribble your prayers. Be honest. Be raw. There’s no right way—just your way.

  • Pray with Scripture: Let the Psalms speak for you when you can’t find the words.

  • Talk to Someone: A trusted friend, a counselor, your pastor—don’t carry it alone.

  • Create Something: Art, music or even cooking can be a powerful outlet for what your heart is holding.

Lament is not a detour from faith—it’s part of the journey. It tells God, I’m still here. I’m still reaching for You. And the beautiful truth? He’s still reaching back.

So if you find yourself in a season of sorrow, know this: your laments are safe with Him. Your tears are noticed. And your faith—even in the form of questions and cries—is a song God holds close.