BS504 Students: When was the last time you spent time lamenting to God? Why type of lament did you offer? How often do you interpret suffering in your life as a result of divine judgment? Are there other reasons that Christians suffer? What can we learn from the ways the prophets lamented that might incline God to respond to us positively? Provide a SUBSTANTIAL response to these questions and another students comment for full credit.
top of page

Student Connect
Public·508 students
Students
MMin Student
MMin Alumni
MMin Student
PhD Student
PhD Student
bottom of page
When was the last time you lamented to God?
The last time I lamented to God was during the summer of 2024, when my cousin tragically passed away from a heart attack. I was confused because he was one of the youngest members of our family, only in his mid-thirties. The grief I felt was unbearable, especially as I watched other male relatives break down emotionally. As my sorrow deepened each day, I turned to prayer, knowing that only my faith in God could help me endure the pain of seeing my cousin laid to rest.
What type of lament did you offer?
I began my lament by acknowledging God's presence and expressing gratitude for His existence in my life. I reaffirmed my thankfulness for His faithfulness and the many blessings He has provided. My complaint was, “God, how could this happen to such a young believer?” It wasn’t that I was questioning God’s authority, but rather struggling to understand the situation. I confessed my sins, as I normally do in prayer, and asked God for mercy, praying that He had forgiven my cousin for any sins he may have committed. I then pleaded with God to help me, my aunt, my cousins, and my deceased cousin's wife and children as we processed our grief. My prayer concluded with praise, reaffirming my love and trust in God’s presence and His word.
How often do you interpret suffering in your life as a result of divine judgment?
I often perceive my struggles as God's judgment, especially in certain areas of my life. One of my biggest challenges is consistently paying tithes and offerings. I know I should be faithful in giving, yet I struggle with consistency while still praying for God's blessings—blessings I may be hindering myself. As inflation rises while my income remains stagnant, I sometimes tell myself, “There’s no way God wants me to starve or have my utilities disconnected.” However, I also know that this mindset is driven by fear rather than faith. This is a weekly struggle for me, but I am actively working on strengthening my trust in God.
Are there other reasons that Christians suffer?
Christians suffer for a variety of reasons, some self-inflicted and others circumstantial. We strive to live Christ-like lives, yet we are human, with sinful instincts, traits, and behaviors. As Romans 7:18 states, “For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.” In some parts of the world, Christians are persecuted for their beliefs and way of life. Many non-believers, atheists, or individuals with different lifestyles often perceive Christians as boastful or imposing their faith on others. I try to approach such situations with compassion, choosing to pray for them rather than judge them. However, I sometimes struggle with remaining firm in my faith, particularly in professional settings where expressing my beliefs may come with consequences.
What can we learn from the ways the prophets lamented that might incline God to respond to us positively?
The Bible tells us that the prophet Jeremiah lamented by crying out in prayer, expressing deep anguish and misery before God. He pleaded for divine intervention against the injustice he witnessed. At times, Jeremiah was angered by God's response, yet he continued to acknowledge that his people depended on God even in their suffering. His example teaches us that God welcomes our raw emotions—our sorrow, frustration, and even confusion. By being honest in our lament while maintaining faith in God’s sovereignty, we open the door for His comfort, guidance, and ultimate deliverance.