On the opposite ends of the emotional and theological spectrum of the Psalter stand the psalms of lament and the psalms of thanksgiving. We have already observed that even when the psalmists of the laments are overwhelmed with sorrow and anguish, they often still express their deep trust in Yahweh and his mercy. So while the distance between lament and thanksgiving might seem long, it is really much shorter than this set of opposites would imply. At least the distance, however far it may be, is traversed,