You, or someone you love, is suffering intense pain. It’s right to cry, and to cry out in our pain.
Sometimes in tragedy, we wish we could express what’s going on inside us but can’t seem to find the words. And we wonder, Even if I did find the words, would anyone understand?
We’ve gathered some words for you that we hope give language to the aching of your heart.
The Scripture you will read here are portions of prayers. They are cries of pain directed at God. They come from people who knew the God of the Bible and had sincere faith in him.
May your heart find a home in the house of mourning hidden in the pages of Scripture. May you find as you enter here that you are not alone.
Expressions of Pain from God’s Suffering Children
“I wish I could escape the pain”
My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror overwhelms me. And I say, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest; yes, I would wander far away; I would lodge in the wilderness; I would hurry to find a shelter from the raging wind and tempest.” (Psalm 55:4-8 ESV)
“I don’t want to eat and can’t sleep”
For my days disappear like smoke, and my bones burn like red-hot coals. My heart is sick, withered like grass, and I have lost my appetite. Because of my groaning, I am reduced to skin and bones. I am like an owl in the desert, like a little owl in a far-off wilderness. I lie awake, lonely as a solitary bird on the roof. (Psalm 102:3-7 NLT)
“What used to bring me joy or pleasure doesn’t anymore”
My soul is bereft of peace; I have forgotten what happiness is… (Lamentations 3:17 ESV)
“I feel like all the life has been drained out of me”
I have been forgotten like one who is dead; I have become like a broken vessel. (Psalm 31:12 ESV)
My life is poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax, melting within me. (Psalm 22:14 NLT)
“I can’t find the words to pray”
I am too distressed even to pray! (Psalm 77:4 NLT)
“I’m tired of emotionally treading water to stay afloat”
Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire; I can’t find a foothold. I am in deep water, and the floods overwhelm me. I am exhausted from crying for help; my throat is parched. My eyes are swollen with weeping, waiting for my God to help me. (Psalm 69:2-3 NLT)
“I’m weary of waking up every day to anguish and sorrow”
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 13:2 NLT)
“My heart breaks as I remember what life was like before this happened”
My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be: I walked among the crowds of worshipers, leading a great procession to the house of God, singing for joy and giving thanks amid the sound of a great celebration! (Psalm 42:4 NLT)
“I feel utterly alone in my suffering and the words of others are salt in my wound”
Their insults have broken my heart, and I am in despair. If only one person would show some pity; if only one would turn and comfort me. (Psalm 69:20 NLT)
“My heart is full of pain, and my body is suffering on account of it”
For I am poor and needy, and my heart is full of pain. I am fading like a shadow at dusk; I am brushed off like a locust. My knees are weak from fasting, and I am skin and bones. (Psalm 109:24-25 NLT)
“I see only dark days ahead and it terrifies me”
Death wrapped its ropes around me; the terrors of the grave overtook me. I saw only trouble and sorrow. (Psalm 116:3 NLT)
“I fear I’ll never escape this crushed state”
Hear my cry, for I am very low…bring me out of my prison, so I can thank you. (Psalm 142:6-7 NLT)
“It feels like I’m drowning”
I hear the tumult of the raging seas as your waves and surging tides sweep over me. (Psalm 42:7 NLT)
The ropes of death entangled me; floods of destruction swept over me. The grave wrapped its ropes around me; death laid a trap in my path. (Psalm 18:4-5 NLT)
Don’t let the floods overwhelm me, or the deep waters swallow me, or the pit of death devour me. (Psalm 69:15 NLT)
“I’m exhausted from crying so much”
I am worn out from sobbing. All night I flood my bed with weeping, drenching it with my tears. (Psalm 6:6 NLT)
“I feel paralyzed by this calamity—can’t think, can’t feel, don’t want to do anything”
I am overwhelmed by my troubles. (Psalm 55:2 NLT)
“I’m exhausted from being distressed all the time”
I am weary from distress (Psalm 57:6 NLT)
“Things are getting worse and I’m scared to death”
I am alone and in deep distress. My problems go from bad to worse. (Psalm 25:16-17 NLT)
“I feel more and more depressed”
Come quickly, Lord, and answer me, for my depression deepens. (Psalm 143:7 NLT)
“I feel like the light is fading from my eyes”
I am losing all hope; I am paralyzed with fear. (Psalm 143:4 NLT)
“All I want to do is sleep”
Darkness is my closest friend. (Psalm 88:18 NLT)
“I have no appetite. Food has lost its pleasure”
I eat ashes for food. My tears run down into my drink. (Psalm 102:9 NLT)
“Inwardly I feel like I’m at the end of my rope”
My soul clings to the dust…my soul melts away for sorrow… (Psalm 119:25, 28 ESV)
“I feel useless to everyone around me”
I am as good as dead, like a strong man with no strength left. (Psalm 88:3-4 NLT)
One Small Step You Can Take Today
In the pages of the Bible we find a precious note of hope for those crying out in pain. Listen to this line of Scripture that tells us about God’s attitude toward the cries of sufferers:
For he [God] has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and he has not hidden his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to him. (Psalm 22:24 ESV)
We want to welcome you today to believe God’s Word here, and to respond by adding your voice to the cries of the afflicted, believing that God hears you.
If you are wondering how God responded to the cries of sufferers, we encourage you to follow that curiosity, as you have strength and time to do so. If a particular verse struck you, consider reading the entire Psalm from which it comes.
May God the Holy Spirit bring peace to your heart as you cry unto him.