When life feels unbearably heavy—from natural disasters to personal heartbreak—what can we even say? The Bible doesn't ignore suffering or gloss over pain. Instead, it gives voice to our sorrow. Psalm 13 offers us a path from weeping to worship, showing how honest lament can lead to deep trust in a faithful God.

Outline

I. Turn

II. Complain

III. Petition

IV. Trusting Praise

Sermon Discussion Questions

1) When suffering strikes, where do you instinctively turn first? What are some reasons you don’t turn to the Lord first?

2) If you were to present some complaints to the Lord right now, what would be some of those complaints?

3) Are your prayers boldly asking God to act according to His promises? Why or why not? How specific are your requests?

4) How does suffering with the end in view change how you approach suffering? What about lament leads to trust and praise? How would this reshape your perspective?

5) Read Psalm 6 and look for the different elements of lament (Turn, complain, petition, and trusting praise). Write your own lament prayer and share it with someone you trust.