Psalms of Lament or also referred to as the Pit Songs. They were written while the Psalmist was feeling discouraged and overwhelmed with life. While he was in the pit of discouragement and feeling like God had deserted him. A number of times the Psalmist describes himself as being in the pit of despair.
The Psalms are so encouraging because as we read them we realize we are not alone in what we are experiencing and they help put into words what we are feeling and sometimes what we are afraid to say to God. They show us how to live in a fallen world full of pain and disappointment. They show us how to hang onto God when we are in the pit.
David doesn’t hold back and God is ok with that. He dumps his doubts, fears, anger, feelings of God deserting him, wanting to get even with people. God gives us permission to lament. That’s why we have all these Psalms to help us get in touch with our emotions and express them. God doesn’t want us to pretend.