What is lament? Lament is an expression of sorrow. Lament is not complaining.

Psalm 13:1-2 O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever?     How long will you look the other way? How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul,     with sorrow in my heart every day?     How long will my enemy have the upper hand?

Psalm 13:3-4 Turn and answer me, O Lord my God!     Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die. Don’t let my enemies gloat, saying, “We have defeated him!”     Don’t let them rejoice at my downfall.

Psalm 13:5-6 But I trust in your unfailing love.     I will rejoice because you have rescued me. I will sing to the Lord     because he is good to me.

Psalm 13 Living in a triumphalistic culture. The struggle is real. Lament is crying out to God. Lament is a search for significance. Lament is choosing to trust God. Trust vs. Hope All of this is meant to be done in relationship.

Loving people is not fixing people. a. Most of the time, we already know what we should do. b. Fixing problems does not transform people c. “I will walk with you through this.” • “I do not have the answers.” • “I will celebrate your success." • “I will stand with you in failure.”

Real relationship never answers questions that have not been asked. a. In real relationship, we are always seeking the source. b. In real relationship, we are always looking beyond behavior. c. The question to ask: “Where do you think that comes from?”

Real relationship never answers questions that have not been asked. b. In real relationship, we are always looking beyond behavior. c. The question to ask: “Where do you think that comes from?” d. Real relationship requires acceptance...approval is optional.

When lament has been heard and validated, the questions will come. a. Real relationship earns the opportunity to speak into someone’s life. b. There is no “line”. One size does NOT fit all! c. Often, the best way to earn trust is to trust.