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As we begin Psalm 77, we see that the Psalmist is clearly in pain. He is grieving, suffering, and looking for relief from his deep ache. The key phrase, found twice in verse 1, is that the Psalmist “cried out to God.” He doesn’t overthink it, nor does he stuff it inside and become filled with resentment. He expresses his hurt and pain to the one who can change his circumstances and quiet his heart. This leads us to the first of four steps of lament: turn to God.

Turning to God means, first and foremost, recognizing God’s presence and design in your circumstances. When we go through grief, we often begin by blaming someone for our troubles and seeking to do everything in our power to make things right. While there is a time and place for both, the follower of Jesus should first and foremost turn to God. When we are in pain, the great temptation is to become a functional atheist who says they believe in God but live as if He doesn’t exist. If we are to find any true relief from our suffering and any lasting peace in our circumstances, it must begin by turning to the Lord in prayer. 

For Today: Confess to the Lord the things you have been overthinking rather than praying about.

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