Navigating Pain: The Power of Lament in Our Lives

How to Lament and Live Through the Hardships of Life

Scripture: Luke 23:1–3

“Then the assembly rose as a body and brought Jesus before Pilate. They began to accuse him, saying, ‘We found this man inciting our nation, forbidding us to pay taxes to Caesar, and saying that he is the Messiah, a king.’ Then Pilate asked him, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ He answered, ‘You say so.’”

Sitting in the Hard Places

Life doesn’t always look like we imagined. Sometimes it’s beautiful; other times, it’s tattered and worn—like an old stole I keep that once belonged to my mentor, Jimmy Lewis. Every time I wear it, I’m reminded of two things: who God called me to be, and how fragile this life really is.

That’s why I love the honesty of Scripture. It doesn’t shy away from the mess. Luke 23 places us in one of the darkest moments of human history: Jesus—the Son of God, the One who healed the sick and loved the unlovable—is betrayed, denied, tried, and crucified.

And we are invited not to rush past it, but to sit in it.

The Temptation to Skip the Suffering

We prefer the resurrection story. We love Easter morning, not Good Friday afternoon. We want to move from pain to praise without having to sit in the tension between. But life doesn’t work that way.

Jesus’ story shows us that redemption always walks through suffering. He was betrayed by a kiss from a friend, denied three times by Peter, dragged through mock trials, and nailed to a cross. Yet in the midst of it all, He lamented—not sulked, not complained, but lamented.

The Difference Between Sulking and Lamenting

Sulking turns inward. It keeps the focus on me—my pain, my frustration, my unfair situation.

Lament, however, turns upward. It brings our pain before God, saying:

• “God, I’m mad.”
• “Here’s why I’m mad.”
• “But I still trust You.”
• “Now, Lord, please do something.”

That’s the pattern of the Psalms. Over forty of them are laments. They teach us that God welcomes our honest cries, our tears, and our anger. Jesus Himself prayed the Psalms from the cross: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1).

Lament doesn’t deny pain—it names it in the presence of God.

Learning to Sit and Be Still

My mentor Jimmy taught me how to do that. There were days when ministry was hard, when he didn’t know how he’d make ends meet. But he’d remind me to “sit and be still.” To wait on God.

Every time I put on his old stole, I remember that lesson: God is still speaking, even in silence. God is still present, even in pain. God is still faithful, even when life feels broken.

When Jesus hung on the cross, the world went dark. His friends scattered. Hope seemed lost. But as author Bob Goff once said:

“Darkness fell. His friends scattered. Hope seemed lost—but that’s when Heaven started counting to three.”

Hope in the Waiting

Whatever hardship you’re facing—grief, disappointment, betrayal, uncertainty—don’t rush through it. Don’t try to pretend it doesn’t hurt. Learn to lament. Cry out to God. Tell Him how you feel. And then wait.

Because even when you can’t see it, God is already counting to three.

He’s already at work redeeming what feels ruined.

He’s already preparing resurrection on the other side of suffering.

A Prayer for Today

Gracious and holy God,

Teach us how to lament as Jesus did.

When we are betrayed, denied, or broken, remind us of Your presence.

Give us the strength to endure, the patience to wait, and the faith to hope.

Thank You that even in the darkest moments, You are counting to three.

In the name of Jesus Christ, our crucified and risen Lord, Amen.