Lamenting is a profound expression of pain and vulnerability, allowing us to bring our deepest struggles and raw emotions before God. It acknowledges the reality of suffering while creating space for honesty in faith, reminding us that we can come to God not only in joy but also in our darkest moments.

In this episode Steve Smith engages in conversation with Mike Raiter, a Bible teacher, author, and international conference speaker, exploring the often-overlooked importance of lament in the Psalms. Mike draws on his deep knowledge of the Psalms to emphasize the value of being real with God, particularly through "psalms of lament." These psalms show us how to bring our true emotions before God, from grief and pain to doubt and frustration. Mike challenges listeners to set aside the masks we wear and approach God honestly, as the psalmists did, acknowledging our struggles without shame. For anyone seeking a deeper, more honest relationship with God, this conversation is filled with insights that could transform your prayer life and help you find comfort and strength amid life’s hardships.

This episode is especially relevant for anyone wrestling with grief, mental health challenges, or a sense of disconnection from God. By listening, you’ll discover how ancient practices of lament can help us process pain and ultimately deepen our faith.

Here are three reasons why you should listen to this episode:

1. Gain insight into the power of lament and how expressing pain and vulnerability through the Psalms can lead to deeper faith and connection with God.
2. Understand why lament is often missing in modern Christian worship, despite its vital role in addressing the human experiences of doubt, grief, and suffering.
3. Learn practical ways to be honest with God about your struggles, following the example of the psalmists.

Resources

• Live from Rest Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify 
• Live from Rest App: Google Play | App Store
• Mike Raiter: LinkedIn
• Mike Raiter's Books 
• Journey Through Series: Website
• Mike Vroegop's Book: Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy

Episode Highlights

[1:16] Mike Raiter’s Background from England to Australia 

• Mike Raiter is a known Bible teacher, conference speaker, and author.
• His family's migration to Australia led to his devotion to Liverpool Football Club until today.
• Mike mentions his work in Pakistan and his American wife.

[2:52] Mike's Work on the Psalms

• Mike shares about his collaboration with Our Daily Bread on Journey Through, a devotional series that includes his three-volume work on the Psalms.
• A third of the Psalms are laments, challenging the common perception of the Psalms as solely focused on praise and thanksgiving.
• Romans 8:28-30 demonstrates how groaning in life aligns with the Psalms, capturing the shared experience of suffering.
• Mental health work often emphasizes the constant presence of pain and the challenge many face in striving for peace and joy amid life’s hardships.

[6:08] Steve: “I think our natural inclination is to drift into some form of negativity... most of us have to be intentionally positive in our thinking.”

[6:11] The Role of Lament in Modern Life

• Mike points out that there is a surprising lack of lament in modern Christian songs compared to the ancient Psalms.
• Despite modern conveniences, life is still filled with pain and suffering — yet people rarely turn to lament in their songs.
• There is a societal pressure to present a positive image and the difficulty of being honest about one's struggles.
• Expressing genuine pain and doubt in the church is now a challenge as it can be seen as a lack of faith or a burden for others.

[9:49] Exploring Specific Psalms of Lament

• Mike shares insights on Psalm 22, emphasizing its universal applicability and the ability to adopt its words for personal lament.
• The common structure of laments written by psalmists involves expressing their pain and then finding resolution and trust in God.
• Mike mentions Psalm 88 as an exception. There is no resolution, which can be a source of deep despair for those who experience prolonged suffering.

[12:23] Mike: “That’s the nature of lament. They end up with a point of resolution only He breaks through. Laments are prayers in pain on the road to praise.”

• Steve Smith shares about his son Joshua's ministry with prisoners, which involves guiding them through writing their own psalms of lament.

[15:46] The Importance of Honesty in Faith

• Finding surrender in faith means being honest with God and allowing yourself to express pain and doubt.
• A powerful example in the Bible is Job's lament and God's commendation of Job's faithfulness despite his suffering.
• Mike notes the growing recognition of the value of lament in the church, citing a book by Mark Vroegop called "Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy."
• Steve Smith and Mike discuss the need for songs and expressions of lament in the church to match the real experiences of its members.

[18:42] Encouragement for Songwriters and Personal Reflection

• Mike encourages listeners with songwriting gifts to create songs of lament, drawing from their own experiences of pain and sorrow.

[18:54] Mike: “If God’s given you a gift in songwriting or being a lyricist, please give it a go...put pain into words of honesty and faith.”

• Everyone can benefit from writing their own psalms or finding a voice in the Psalms of David — it’s part of being honest in your faith.
• Remember: Jesus himself identified with a psalm of lament during His suffering, showing the importance of being real with God.
• Take off your mask and be honest with God. Find strength in the Psalms, and trust in Him to light your way.
  
  

About Mike Raiter 

Mike Raiter is a respected Bible teacher, author, and international conference speaker with a deep commitment to making Scripture accessible and relevant. Known for his insightful work on the Psalms, Mike has collaborated with Our Daily Bread to create the Journey Through series, including a comprehensive three-volume study on the Psalms that delves into themes of praise, lament, and human connection with God. His teachings emphasize authenticity in faith, encouraging believers to approach God with honesty about their struggles.

Having lived and worked across continents—including his missionary work in Pakistan—Mike brings a unique, global perspective to his ministry. He continues to inspire others through his reflections on faith, mental health, and the importance of lament, speaking to the profound impact of vulnerability and connection with God. His background as a lifelong supporter of Liverpool Football Club and his cross-cultural family life add warmth and relatability to his message, making his teachings accessible to people from all walks of life.

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn.

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If you enjoyed tuning in, then leave us a review. You can also share this episode with your friends and family. No matter how long you’ve carried the weight of life’s struggles, there is always a way to find peace and freedom. Your journey toward healing begins when you bring your honest, raw emotions before God. Embrace His presence even in times of doubt and pain.

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