Our Reading: Psalm 88 & Rev 21: 24-26

Sometimes God allows us to get to a point where we realize that we are in a desperate situation with needs that only He can meet. 

Although Psalm 88 is referred to as “the saddest Psalm”, the author knows who to turn to in his struggles and to whom He should make his earnest pleas.

“O Lord, God of my salvation, I cry out day and night before you. Let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my cry!” Psalm‬ ‭88‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭

Have you ever known desperation and unspeakable sorrow that rocks your whole world? Perhaps it is the grief of great loss, the news of a terminal illness, the devastation of financial hardship or perhaps it is the greatest thing that can trouble a soul….the turmoil and depravity of sin.  Whatever trouble visits you, know that this Psalm is a testimony that you have not walked this path alone. The Psalmist cries out to God, with lamenting and tears as He bares his deep heartache. 

“For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol.”  Psalm‬ ‭88‬:‭3‬ 

(Sheol refers to “ the abode of the dead.”)

Have you been so stricken with sorrow or other circumstances that you felt as if God himself has abandoned you or caused your suffering? Or perhaps just didn’t seem to care? The wording of the Psalmist seems to imply this perspective and it reminds me a lot of the story of Job who struggled to understand why he suffered so much. 

“You have put me in the depths of the pit, in the regions dark and deep. Your wrath lies heavy upon me, and you overwhelm me with all your waves. Selah” Psalm‬ ‭88‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭

In the dark valleys of life, it may seem that we are alone, weak, helpless and God doesn’t care, but God’s Word proclaims His promises that even in our sorrows and sufferings, nothing can separate us from His love.

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?” Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭35‬ ‭

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭38‬-‭39‬ ‭

This Psalm isn’t like the other Psalms where there is a turn around or expression of hope, and yet the hope is present in a very important way.  The Psalmist may be at his lowest low but he doesn’t stop doing a very important thing….seeking God /praying. 

“my eye grows dim through sorrow. Every day I call upon you, O Lord; I spread out my hands to you.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭88‬:‭9‬ 

“But I, O Lord, cry to you; in the morning my prayer comes before you.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭88‬:‭13‬ ‭

When all seems dark and uncertain, don’t give up. Take it to the Lord in prayer, often and earnestly. Lay your troubled burdens at His feet. 

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭12‬ 

Reflection:

1. Can you relate to the sadness and despair that this Psalmist has known? 
2. How do you respond toward God when your heart is aching and you don’t get immediate answers or relief?
3. How persistent are you in seeking the Lord in prayer?

Prayer: Father, we often long for answers, comfort, and the peace that only You can provide. When the answers seem far away and we even question if You care, please forgive our doubting, wounded hearts. As we draw near to You, we pray that You would draw ever nearer to us. Sustain us Lord as we learn to trust Your timing, Your wisdom, and to embrace the trials, knowing that You can even orchestrate good from our pain. Help us persevere and reap the rewards of our faithfulness!