There are times in life when nothing makes sense, you expect certain things to happen, and the opposite takes place. At those times, a lament is the appropriate response. This past week I was processing the death of my 43-year-old niece who was killed in a head on collision with a driver who was trying to pass another vehicle. I wonder about the driver of the car who caused the accident. Was the 15 seconds you were going to save by passing the other car worth the life of another person? Why were you able to survive the crash and my niece left dead on the side of the road? These ponderings are natural for a human being with limited cognition, who is shocked by the unexpected tragedy and who is mourning the loss of her dearly beloved niece. Taking my grief to the Lord and asking him to explain the unexplainable is the only way for me to move beyond my emotions to a place of peace and eventual acceptance. David’s lament in Psalm 13 provides a pattern for me to follow and a way for me to express myself that is consistent with God’s word.

Below is my lament based on Psalm 13:

How long, O LORD? Why do I have to deal with another family tragedy? Have you forgotten the long string of disappointments that has been the pattern of my life. I don’t think I can take anymore of this. Heaven seems like a distant dream that will never become a reality. How long do you intend to withhold relief and keep me from experiencing the blessing that I was expecting from you.

How long are these troubling thoughts going to be my constant companions. I can’t think straight anymore. I’m confused and the sorrow of my heart is continually weighing me down. I’m struggling to figure out why bad things keep happening and you are letting this world get farther and farther out of control. How long will my enemy keep getting the better of me? I don’t feel like fighting anymore.

Lord, I need you to pay attention and give me an answer to the dilemma that I’m facing. If you don’t help me, I’m ready to give up. My enemy thinks he is going to break me this time. The death of an innocent person is too much for me to comprehend. This should not have happened. It seems like evil is triumphing over good instead of the other way around. I’m in a tight place and my mind is overwhelmed with the thought that you are not really sovereign and in control of every aspect of my life.

But I have decided to trust in your loving kindness. Your mercy, goodness, and faithfulness have never let me down. They are a sure foundation, and my life has been resting on them for a very long time. I am grateful to know that my beloved niece is with you and that we will be reunited when I join her in your presence. I will rejoice and be very glad when that day comes. I will sing to you because you have made this possible through your death on the cross and resurrection which united me with you forever.