My God, Remember Me (Hymns & Songs)

Scripture is full of lamentation - of direct, honest, gut-wrenching confessions of grief, despair, and pain. Half of the Psalms are laments. Modern Christianity has largely lost this form. We've bought into the modern secular idea that the goal of life is comfort and happiness, and so any acknowledgement that the world isn't this way feels like failure. Scripture does not share that view. It is brutally clear about the hardships of life and, while it calls for hope in the end, that hope involves freedom to express suffering and questioning. I have found much solace in such expressions of grief; here's my trying to reflect some of that in my own writing.

I am worn out from groaning for aid
My sorrow surrounds me, my tears never fade
I have gotten no answer, though I've prayed and prayed
I am worn out from groaning for aid

I have heard all the stories they tell
Of healing and blessing and all being well
But my troubles don't end and the dark seems to swell
As I hear all the stories they tell

Chorus:
O my God, remember me
O my God, remember me
Turn again and hear my plea
O God, my God, remember me

Dear Father, don't cast me away
I've tried to be faithful, though I've also strayed
Is it something I've done that You've hidden your face?
Dear Father, don't cast me away

I lie at the gates of the grave
The terror it gives me, the friendships it takes
I scream into its depths, but the silence remains
I lie at the gates of the grave

Chorus

Bridge:
Where do I turn in my trouble
As the earth is giving way
Is there one who knows my struggle
Is there one who bears my pain
I am writhing in my bed
I am shaking in the rain
Is there one who has passed through it
Who can guide me on my way

I rest at the foot of the cross
Where the King of Glory knew sorrow and loss
He is pierced and forsaken and risen for us
So I rest at the foot of the cross

Chorus 2:
O my God, remember me
O my God, remember me
You who bore death's wooden beam
O God, my God remember me