Even Here, EmmanuelSample

It’s Okay to Lament

Waiting feels more tangible during the holidays. While the world sparkles with joy and celebration, you might feel the ache of what hasn’t happened yet—the prayer unanswered, the seat left empty, the dream still out of reach. It’s okay to admit that waiting is hard.

God never asked you to fake joy. He invites you to bring your heart to Him—even the cracked, weary parts. Lament is not a lack of faith, its faith that still talks to God when the heart doesn’t understand.

Look at Hannah. Before her miracle, she wept in the temple, “pouring out her soul before the Lord.” (1 Samuel 1:15) Her tears were not wasted—they were witnessed. God met her in her honest ache.

Maybe this season doesn't feel merry or bright. Maybe it’s tender and heavy. You have permission to lament—to grieve what is missing and still trust that God is present in the ache. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we can remember that he also wept. He knows what sorrow feels like.

You can bring your tears to the manger and still find Him faithful.

Reflection Prompt: What grief or disappointment have I been trying to hide from God that I need to bring honestly before Him today?

Prayer: God, thank You that You meet me in honesty, not perfection. Help me lay my disappointment before You, believing that You are near to the brokenhearted. Teach me that my tears are not wasted—they are seen, and You are still good. Amen.

As you prepare for tomorrow, tune into Audrey Cauthen podcast as she unpacks what God never said—and the beautiful truth of what He did. Subscribe here!