Chapter: Psalm 53

Laments

More than 1/3 of the Psalms fall into the category of complaints to God in situations of limitation or threat. These laments were a form of prayer and praise based on the conviction that God is concerned about people and answers the human cry in ways surpassing human expectation or understanding. Israel’s laments out of distress were a way of praising God even when he seemed absent. The faith of the psalmists is founded on the good news that God intervenes in desperate situations to help those who are distressed. The psalmists share a deep confidence that God is compassionate, concerned, hearing his people and involved with them; God is faithful and trustworthy. A lament is an outcry to God from a responsive heart. Laments came from individuals or from the community.

Examples: Psalms 3-5, 22, 27:7-14, 42, 51, 69, 90, 130, 137 and many others

53

Dixit insipiens

¹ The fool has said in his heart, *

“There is no God.”

² They are corrupt and have become abominable in their wickedness; *

there is none that does good.

³ God looked down from heaven upon the children of men *

to see if there were any who would understand and seek after God.

⁴ But they have all gone astray; they have altogether become abominable; *

there is none that does good, no, not one.

⁵ Have they no knowledge, all the workers of evil *

who eat up my people as they would eat bread, and call not upon God?

⁶ They were afraid where no fear was, *

for God has broken the bones of those who besieged you;

⁷ You have put them to shame, *

because God has rejected them.

⁸ Oh, that salvation were given unto Israel out of Zion! *

Oh, that God would deliver his people out of captivity!

⁹ Then shall Jacob rejoice, *

and Israel shall be glad.