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Answer
Many of the Psalms are known as “psalms of lament.” These songs touch on themes of sadness, discouragement, and even complaints to God. Why were these sorrowful psalms included in the Bible? Isn’t God’s Word meant to uplift us?
Firstly, as a collection of songs, Psalms encompasses the full spectrum of human emotions. While many Psalms are songs of joy and gratitude, others reflect on the inevitable sorrows of human existence. For instance, Psalm 6:6–7 conveys profound grief: “I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping. My eye wastes away because of grief; it grows weak because of all my foes.” At times, David felt abandoned by God, crying out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest” (Psalm 22:1-2). This particular Psalm was prophetic, foreshadowing the emotions Christ experienced on the cross as seen in Mark 15:34.
Secondly, songs of lament were often used in acts of repentance. Psalm 51:1–2 recounts David’s repentance following his affair with Bathsheba. David pleads, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.” Simultaneously, David honestly expresses feeling crushed to the core (verse 8) and unable to rid himself of guilt (verse 3).
Thirdly, many lament Psalms follow a specific structure, concluding with an affirmation of trust in the Lord. The typical format includes 1) opening address, 2) complaint, 3) request, and 4) declaration of trust. These components are evident in Psalm 2. The Psalmist addresses G
David, in the book of Psalms, expresses his complaints, seeks the Lord’s assistance, and then entrusts himself to God for a response. These psalms, though containing sorrowful passages, should remind us that “weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning” «For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.», (Psalm 30:5).
Some scholars of the book of Psalms have noted that the complaints in the lament psalms can be categorized into three groups: 1) concerns about the psalmist’s life or deeds, 2) concerns about an adversary, or 3) concerns about God’s actions or lack thereof.
For instance, in Psalm 22, the psalmist is troubled by God’s seeming inactivity. In Psalm 51, however, David is troubled by his own wrongdoing. In other instances, the lament focuses on the enemies of Israel, questioning why God permitted an enemy to triumph (Psalm 35).
While some psalms may evoke sadness, not all do. Furthermore, the lament psalms portray the human experience through poetic expression. As we read the Psalms, we can relate to the range of human emotions and seek the Lord’s assistance in times of trouble «God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.», (Psalm 46:1).
