We turn to denial as a natural reaction to survive trauma while it happens. Once the danger has passed, the repeated intrusion of painful memories causes us to turn to denial as a long-term coping strategy.
This denial blocks our route to healing.
In How praise can become denial, we introduced a new voice to Lamentations, that of the soldier; a strong young man who was likely a surviving member of Jerusalem's army. He tells of his torture while imprisoned after the fall of the city.
He first uses blame and then praise to keep his emotions at bay. We're now going to look at his third and final coping strategy—that of theology—before seeing what ends up knocking him out of his denial.
The soldier's denial continues with theology
The praise is over almost before it starts—only three verses. (3:22-24) This is unsurprising. How long can you praise God for new blessings when you believe he's bringing new abuses as well?
That's simply painting denial over denial.
The soldier obviously finds greater relief from his intrusive memories by using blame (for sixteen verses) or theological musing and intellectual pursuit (for fifteen verses).
We can certainly attest to the latter. How often do you avoid thinking about your pain by focusing intently on something else? It's the same here for the soldier, but he uses theology instead of mobile games, fantasy football, shopping, children, or work.
His reflection upon belief begins with less assuredness than his praise did. He sounds unsure and doubtful. Can a God of unfailing love (v.32) cause suffering and create injustice (v.33)? This is the dilemma he circles around.
