A Time for Lament
A Meditation by Rev. Cameron Trimble
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
• • •
The wildfires in California continue to rage, leaving destruction in their wake. At least 16 lives have been lost, and an area larger than two Manhattan islands has been consumed by flames. Over 10,000 homes, businesses, and even places of worship have been reduced to ashes. Entire communities have been uprooted, and countless lives forever changed.
In moments like these, our hearts ache with grief. We mourn for the lives lost, the homes destroyed, and the communities shattered. We lament the overwhelming scale of the crisis. As our incoming President seeks to politicize this disaster, the absence of genuine words of compassion and care feels like an additional wound.
The Bible gives us a language for moments like this. It teaches us the sacred act of lament. Lament is the cry of the brokenhearted, the prayer of those who cannot see a way forward but still reach out to God. The psalms are filled with laments—raw, unfiltered expressions of pain, anger, and sorrow. They remind us that God does not turn away from our grief. Instead, God meets us in it, holding us when the weight of the world feels unbearable.
The prophet Jeremiah knew what it meant to lament. He wrote, “Oh, that my head were a spring of water and my eyes a fountain of tears! I would weep day and night for the slain of my people.” (Jeremiah 9:1). Like Jeremiah, we are called to let our hearts break open for those who are suffering. To weep with those who weep. To stand in solidarity with those whose lives have been upended.
But lament is not the end of the story. It is a way of making space for hope to emerge. When we lament, we acknowledge the depth of the pain, but we also affirm our belief that this pain does not have the final word. We cry out to God, trusting that God hears and responds. And we commit ourselves to action—bringing comfort to the hurting, advocating for justice, and working toward a world where such tragedies are less frequent.
As the fires rage on, let us hold the people of California in our hearts and prayers. Let us lament with them, standing with them in their pain and loss. And let us remember that even in the ashes, Love is present—bringing light, care, and the possibility of renewal.
We are in this together,
Cameron
Reflection Questions
What does lament look like in your own life? How do you allow yourself to grieve for the pain of the world?
Where have you seen signs of God’s presence in moments of heartbreak and devastation?
What action can you take to stand in solidarity with those who are suffering, both near and far?
A Prayer for the Day
A Prayer for California
God of Comfort,
We lift up the people of California,
Those who have lost homes, loved ones, and livelihoods.
Be near to the brokenhearted,
And bring peace to those whose lives have been shattered.
We cry out in lament,
For the destruction, the grief, and the fear.
We do not understand,
But we trust that You are with us
Even in the ashes.
Give us hearts that weep with those who weep,
And hands ready to help rebuild what has been lost.
May Your love be a light in the darkness,
And may we be instruments of Your healing grace.
Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Holding Space for Lament
Today, dedicate time to hold space for lament.
Find a quiet moment and light a candle as a symbol of prayer and solidarity. Write down your prayers of lament—your grief for the fires in California, your frustration with inadequate national leadership, your fear of climate change, and your sorrow for those who are suffering. Don’t hold back; let the rawness of your emotions come through.
Next, spend time reflecting on what actions you can take to bring comfort and support. Perhaps you can donate to organizations providing relief, write a note of encouragement to someone affected, or advocate for policies that address climate change.
Finally, end with a prayer of hope. Acknowledge the pain, but also affirm your belief in Love’s presence and the possibility of renewal. Let this practice remind you that lament is not a passive act—it is a way of opening ourselves to healing and preparing our hearts for action.
Upcoming Events That Might Be of Interest…
February 6, 7-8pm ET - Join my conversation “Mindful Healing: Tools For Inner Balance and Wellbeing” with Rev. Dr. Isa Gucciardi. Register here.
July 20-25, 2025 - The Art of Wilding: A 5-Day Expedition in Wyoming for Women Leaders. Click here to learn more.
August 11, 2025, 2pm ET - Dr. Andrew Root and I will be hosting a 6 part series on Spirituality in the Secular Age based on his research. The dates are August 11, 18, September 8, 15, and October 6, 13. Mark your calendars! More on this soon.
October 15-18, 2025 - Converging 2025: Sing Truth Conference (all musicians invited!) at Northwest Christian Church in Columbus, OH. Mark your calendars for now. More info is coming.
Recently, I drafted a Strategic Framework for Congregations as we move into the coming years of increased authoritarianism around the world. If interested, you can download it here.
Thank you for this. I lament with you.