In the spirit of being honest, I left this book untouched since last year, avoiding what it might stir in me.
Revisiting seasons of suffering can be hard on the heart, and I was probably afraid of feeling that pain again. But then, I entered a new season of sorrow where the brokenness of the world was breaking me, and I realized the only way forward was through lament. This book became a compassionate and helpful guide.
Reflecting on times of affliction, sorrow, and tragedy can stir up strong emotions. Yet, when we bring our pain and protest to God, we experience His gracious love and deep understanding. It's a process of emptying ourselves and being filled with His grace and mercy.
This book was a balm for my weary soul.
Maybe lament feels unfamiliar or even uncomfortable to you. But seasons of sorrow come to us all, and this is a perfect chance to learn and practice prayer so we can approach the Lord with our own suffering and stand alongside others in theirs.
From Pain to Praise: The Biblical Pattern of Lament | A Book Review of Just Be Honest by Clint Watkins
Content
Content
Purpose of the Book
The purpose of Just Be Honest is to guide readers in understanding and practicing lament, both individually and in community. The author aims to teach how lament can be a means of processing pain, expressing honest emotions, and deepening one's relationship with God and each other.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Hurting with God
Part 1: Being Honest with God
1. Strong Faith Struggles
2. Jesus Wept and Wrestled
3. Learning to Lament
4. Groaning without Grumbling
5. Sorrowful Yet Rejoicing
Part 2: Being Honest with Each Other
6. Weep Together
7. Let Others In
8. Bear Their Burdens
Conclusion: Hurting with Hope
Summary
With a caring and relatable approach, the author shares his own journey of learning to lament and takes us through Scripture to show real examples. He clearly explains the difference between groaning and grumbling and talks about the mix of joy and sadness. The author highlights four main parts of lament: explain our pain, express our protest, earnest petition and eventual praise. He also reminds us that lament isn’t just personal—it’s something we do together as a community. By weeping, celebrating, and praying for each other, we can build stronger connections and move past surface-level responses to real support.
My Take
The agony of affliction arrives against our deepest wishes, even in the face of our greatest fears.
A tragic accident takes a young life far too early. Despair creeps in, and the desire to live disappears. A body plagued with illness stops functioning as it should. Relationships are torn apart. The world is not as it should be.
For our family, one season of profound trial was marked by the illness of our youngest child. At just 7 months old, she faced life-threatening pneumonia, followed by the eventual diagnosis of an immune deficiency, and finally, a bone marrow transplant. Months in the hospital passed by in a blur, the stress compounded by other difficult situations: our transition back to Canada, beginning pastoral ministry, my father-in-law’s heart attack, and yet another family emergency. We found ourselves hunkered down in the children’s hospital, shifting between the ICU and the ward.
Those days were filled with heartbreak and pleading, exhaustion and groaning.
Watkins’ approach in Just Be Honest is a guide for navigating such overwhelming seasons. His biblical pattern for lament offers a way to frame our sorrow that guards against drifting away from God and instead urges us to press in.
Our prayers of lament first explain our pain. We come to the Father with our hurt and agony, knowing he is faithful to hear us and also knows the suffering we experience.
Next, our protest is expressed because the world is not as it should be, and circumstances fall far from what is desired. Discouragement, frustration, confusion, and uncertainty take hold.
Earnest petitions are shared for change, for the lifting of pain, the straightening of the path, and the courage to face the day even if it unfolds differently than hoped.
Then we move to praise. Because he is faithful, even if we’re not. He is good, even if things don’t change. He is strong, even if we feel weak.
As we navigate these steps, we recognize that lament ultimately leads us to deeper trust. It invites us to see beyond our immediate pain and glimpse the unwavering character of God, who meets us in our grief. Through each tearful cry and heartfelt plea, we begin to sense that we are not abandoned but held in His steadfast love.
Lament becomes a bridge that carries us from the turmoil of the present into the assurance of His promises.
Reflecting on your own life, what season of trial have you faced where honest lament might bring you closer to God?
My Recommendation
This book serves as an invaluable tool not only for your own spiritual journey but also as a ministry aid to better understand and support those who are suffering. Through its thoughtful teachings, you will learn how to engage in sincere prayer and intercession with empathy and clarity.
Additionally, you’ll find a free discussion guide that can facilitate meaningful conversations with a friend or within a small group setting.
I highly recommend Just Be Honest for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of lament and cultivate a compassionate prayer life.
Quick Stats
# of Pages: 140
Level of Difficulty: Easy
My Rating: 5 stars
More Like This
A Playlist
Okay, actually two. The author created this playlist of songs to encourage your journey of lament, both personal and corporate.
Scriptures About Lament
Why, O Lord, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? (Ps. 10:1)
“I will take up weeping and wailing for the mountains, and a lamentation for the pastures of the wilderness, because they are laid waste so that no one passes through, and the lowing of cattle is not heard; both the birds of the air and the beasts have fled and are gone. (Jer. 9:10)
Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. (John 16:20)
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. (Rev.21:4)
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*A big thanks to The Good Book Company for the complimentary copy of the book and the opportunity to post an honest review.
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