It’s OK to Be Not OK: Preaching the Lament Psalms

Table of Contents

1. 1. Foreword
   2. Preface

1. 1. 1 – Introduction
   2. 2 – Learning from the Lament Psalms
   3. 3 – It’s OK to Be Down
   4. 4 – It’s OK to Be Sad
   5. 5 – It’s OK to Cry
   6. 6 – It’s OK to Be Afraid
   7. 7 – It’s OK to Struggle
   8. 8 – It’s OK to Be Angry
   9. 9 – It’s OK to Question God
   10. 10 – It’s OK to Fail
   11. 11 – Conclusion

1. Appendix: Sample Sermons on Lament Psalms
2. Further Reading

Endorsements

Federico Villanueva writes about one of the most difficult tasks any pastor has in the face of tragedy. It is often not possible during such times to rationally or theologically explain why such events occur. This book is not about giving an answer as to why bad things happen. It is a resource for pastors as it addresses the various issues and feelings that a tragedy evokes and then points to a Psalm that deals with it. What then is most helpful is that he provides sermon outlines that a pastor can use.

Rev Rupen Das
Research Professor
Tyndale University College and Seminary

This book is a gem, containing both rich and sensitive pastoral wisdom as well as deep biblical reflection. Dr Villanueva brings his academic expertise as well as his pastoral heart to make this an accessible and useful book that pastors and preachers will benefit from enormously.

Rev Paul Barker
Assitant Bishop,
Anglican Diocese of Melbourne, Australia

Too often, our meetings inhabit a different world from the real one, a world of constant joy and easy life. But the Bible is not like that, as Rico’s faithful expositions make so clear. This is food for the mind and balm for the soul, and will restore much needed realism to many churches.

Mark Meynell
Associate Director – Europe & Caribbean,
Preaching Programme, Langham Partnership