READ: Psalm 88 (Focus vs. 1 & 6-18)
MEMORY VERSE
“You have taken from me friend and neighbor—darkness is my closest friend.” Psalm 88:18
BACKGROUND
Charles had sunk into depression. Despite having a loving family, he felt all alone. “The overwhelming pressure of supporting them was continuing to build,” he said, “and I felt like taking my own life.” Surprisingly—or perhaps not—Charles Morris also led a Christian ministry.
A wise friend told him that when faced with depression, “We should soak in the Psalms.” Charles got through his deep despondency by reading relatable Bible passages, accepting prudent medical care, and pouring his heart out to God.
The Psalms are often brutally honest. Heman the Ezrahite wrote one of the most bitter. Hope is found only in the opening lines: “Lord, you are the God who saves me” (88:1). Heman seems to accuse God: “You have put me in the lowest pit” (v. 6). “You have overwhelmed me” (v. 7).
And he had questions: “Why, Lord, do you reject me and hide your face from me?” (v. 14). Most psalms end with a message of hope. Not this one. Heman concludes, “Darkness is my closest friend” (v. 18).
This is the prayer of a truly desperate man. Yet Heman directed all his pain to God.
When we read psalms such as this one, we realize we’re not alone. Others have experienced desperate feelings and have dared to put voice to them. God could take such honesty from Heman. He can take it from you too. He’s there, and He’s listening.
Tim Gustafson
INSIGHT
Psalm 88 is an unusual song of lament. Lament psalms typically include a call for God’s help, a specific complaint or reason for lamenting, and an expression of trust in God. Some also offer thanksgiving after He responds. (Psalm 44 is a lament psalm that contains all these elements.)
Psalm 88 includes the call for God’s aid (vv. 1-2) and reasons for lament (vv. 3-9, 15-18) but omits any expressions of trust in God. Instead, the psalmist asks accusatory questions (vv. 10-12, 14) and describes being completely alone and in excruciating pain (v. 18).
That this psalm is part of inspired Scripture demonstrates that God welcomes complete honesty before Him when we’re struggling. In our pain, we can be assured that He’s there and He’s listening.
APPLICATION
What part of Psalm 88 do you most relate to? What will you ask God today?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“God welcomes complete honesty before Him when we’re struggling. In our pain, we can be assured that He’s there and He’s listening.”
PR’s TAKE
“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace; that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16
PRAYER
“Heavenly Father, sometimes I hurt too much even to pray. Thank You that You’re big enough to take all my pain and honesty.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“FORSAKEN ME” Warhorn Songbook
My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?
Far from my deliverer is my prayer
All day long I cry but You don’t answer me
In the night I groan but You’re not there
Holy One enthroned upon Your people’s praise
You have always been our fathers’ trust
They would cry for help to You in troubled days
You’d arise and raise them from the dust
Now I know that I’m a worm and not a man
Those who pass by me avert their eyes
Even now my friends dismiss me out of hand
I’ve become a fool to be despised
None can look upon me but to scoff and sneer
Cursing through their teeth I hear them say
“He who trusts in God, let his God interfere
Let us see Him love His Son today!”
You it was who brought me from my mother’s womb
Made me trust in You upon her breast
Was it only so that I’d go in the tomb?
God, I hope that I can pass the test
Be not far from me, my LORD
Can’t you hear the lions roar?
Bashan’s bulls stand all around
I’m poured like water out on the ground
I’m out of joint, I’m short of breath
My mouth can taste the dust of death
My heart’s like wax, my body’s beat
They’ve pierced me through my hands and feet
And for my clothes they roll the dice
My God, my God, I’ve paid the price!
A bruised and broken pot of clay
I need You, LORD, do not delay
Will I live to see another day?
I’ll tell Your name to my brethren
When we are met in Your house once again
I’ll lift it high up to heaven
Let Israel stand full of awe before Him
God will not hide from the broken
Nor turn His back when they cry out for grace
I’ll pay the vows I have spoken
Before them there when I stood in His place
He fills the poor up contented
Their bellies warm and their hearts beat anew
Come, all you tired and tormented
Worship the LORD who’s been gracious to you
Worship the LORD who’s been gracious to you
Our God is ruler of the nations
Go tell the poor, tell their princes and their kings
Tell to the children of all future generations
He is God and He has done amazing things
Our God is ruler of the nations…
He is God and He has done amazing things
