🕊️How Lament Resets the Nervous System and Heals the Heart

In moments of grief, loss, or pressure, most people try to hold it all together.

But what if healing begins not in strength—but in surrender?

Most people are unaware of a POWERFUL method that brings deep comfort and strength in the midst of our sorrow. What is it?

The answer is to LAMENT.

Lament is so vital to overcome the pains of this world, but it is OVERLOOKED. And so many people suffer more emotionally, spiritually, and physically without realizing that there is another way out.

Lamenting is not complaining or weakness. Lament is sacred honesty with God—and it’s one of the most powerful ways to heal your nervous system.

💡 Why Lament Brings Deep Healing (Even to the Nervous System)

Your body stores pain.

When we suppress grief or try to stay strong for others, our nervous system often gets stuck in fight, flight, or freeze mode:

• 💥 Chest tightness

• 😵‍💫 Brain fog

• 😣 Sleepless nights

• 😤 Irritability or numbness

But lament is God’s design to release that tension.

Through lament, we…

• Slow the body

• Soften the heart

• Name what's inside us

• Restore internal safety

• Reconnect with God's comfort

God wired your body to reset—but only when you feel safe enough to be honest.

Lament is how we stop hiding and start healing.

🙏 How to Practice Biblical Lament

1. Create a Safe Space Sit, kneel, or lie down. Set aside the need to perform or fix.

2. Name the Pain Say it clearly: “God, I feel _______ because _______. I need you.”

3. Breathe Deeply Try a calming breath: Inhale (4), hold (4), exhale slowly (6–8). Repeat 4 times.

4. Let the Emotions Come Cry. Scream. Shake. Weep. Let your body do what it needs.

5. Invite Jesus In: Ask: “Where were You in this pain?” Now invite Jesus into the picture with you. What does He want to speak to you now? Let Him comfort you.

6. Declare Hope “God, I believe You still love me. I trust You’re not done. I receive Your peace.”

   

💔 Jennifer’s Story: When Holding It Together Almost Broke Her

Jennifer came to me shortly after her mother passed away unexpectedly. She wasn’t just grieving—she was drowning in responsibility.

• Planning the funeral

• Managing legal paperwork

• Handling assets and government processes

• Holding it together for her siblings and extended family

On the outside, she was “functioning.”But inside, her nervous system was in chaos.

She couldn’t sleep. She felt constantly wired or numb. She started having panic attacks and said:

“If I fall apart, everything will collapse.”

That’s when we began to introduce lament.

Not just journaling or talking—but inviting the Holy Spirit into her pain.

She learned to stop spiritualizing or silencing her grief… and instead, share it honestly with God.

She began saying things like:

“God, I feel alone. I’m overwhelmed. I hate that this is on me.”

And slowly… peace began to return.

She cried. She breathed. She stopped pretending. And in that sacred surrender, her nervous system softened.

She was no longer the one holding everything together. God was.

📖 Lament in the Bible: The People of Judah in Exile

Lament is all over Scripture.

One powerful example is found in Lamentations, written after the fall of Jerusalem. The people of Judah had lost everything—land, identity, and a sense of God’s presence.

And what did they do?

They lamented. They wept. They cried out. They named the pain.

“My eyes overflow with tears... my soul is in anguish.” (Lamentations 2:11)

And in the middle of that sacred grieving, hope broke through:

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22–23)

Lament didn’t take them away from God.It led them back to Him.

⚡ Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Hold It All Together

You were never meant to carry grief alone. You don’t have to be the strong one all the time. God is not ashamed of your pain—He’s drawn to it.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

Lament is not failure. It’s how healing begins.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or emotionally stuck—try lament.

Let your body release what your soul was never meant to carry alone.

Need support processing your own grief or overwhelm?

We’d be honored to walk with you.

📞 Call us at (352) 507-4581

🌐 Contact us now

With love and healing,

Eric Gilbert, MS