Lament is a cry of belief in a good God.... Complaint is the bitter howl of unbelief in any benevolent God

Lament is a cry of belief in a good God.... Complaint is the bitter howl of unbelief in any benevolent God

Ann Voskamp is a renowned author and speaker known for her deep faith and profound reflections on the nature of God and suffering. In her writings, she often explores the themes of lament and complaint, highlighting the crucial distinction between the two.

According to Voskamp, lament is a cry of belief in a good God. It is an expression of grief, sorrow, and longing for God's presence in the midst of suffering. Lament acknowledges the reality of pain and loss, but it also affirms the goodness and faithfulness of God. In the Bible, we see examples of lament in the Psalms, where the writers pour out their hearts to God in times of distress and despair. Despite their anguish, they never lose faith in God's goodness and mercy.

On the other hand, complaint is the bitter howl of unbelief in any benevolent God. It is a rejection of God's goodness and a refusal to trust in His providence. Complaint is characterized by bitterness, anger, and resentment towards God, often blaming Him for the hardships and trials of life. In the book of Job, we see a stark contrast between lament and complaint. Job laments his suffering and questions God, but he never loses faith in Him. In contrast, Job's friends complain and accuse him of sin, showing their lack of belief in a loving and just God.

For Voskamp, the key difference between lament and complaint lies in the underlying belief in God's character. Lament is rooted in trust and hope, even in the midst of pain and sorrow. It is a way of drawing near to God and seeking His comfort and presence. Complaint, on the other hand, is a rejection of God's goodness and a refusal to acknowledge His sovereignty over all things.