The Apostle Paul instructs believers not to complain about anything (Phil 2:14-16). Nevertheless, an entire book, Lamentations, is devoted to the people of God complaining and for just reasons. Although no author is mentioned in the book, Lamentations is often attributed to the Prophet Jeremiah considering the dire struggles he encountered in captivity. Lamentations subsists in the context of God’s chosen people being disciplined for their own sin and rebellion.[1] It appeared as if God had abandoned the people of the promise when the reality was that his own people had abandoned him, for God does not move; people move.

Lamentations 3:19-26 highlights the characteristics of a Godly form of lament so while complaining for the sake of complaining and with a focus on self is wrong, a lament rooted in a desire for justice and with a focus on the Lord’s goodness is not only allowed but right. Here, a model of prayer (and indeed Christian worship) is expended by a man on behalf of God’s people.