Psalm 88

Name: Psalm
Author: BiblePics
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Almighty Judgment Acknowledging Death Suffering Anger Seeking Dependence Punishment Sadness Fear Calling Weakness God Prayer Soul Life

Psalm 88 is a heart-wrenching cry from the depths of despair, pleading for God's mercy and deliverance. The psalmist endures great suffering and isolation, feeling abandoned by even his closest companions. Yet, he remains faithful in his plea to God, recognizing His sovereignty even in the midst of his pain.

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Bible version

A Cry of Desperation from the Depths

1 {A Song or Psalm for the sons of Korah, to the chief Musician upon Mahalath Leannoth, Maschil of Heman the Ezrahite.} O LORD God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee:

2 Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry;

3 For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave.

4 I am counted with them that go down into the pit: I am as a man that hath no strength:

5 Free among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, whom thou rememberest no more: and they are cut off from thy hand.

6 Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps.

7 Thy wrath lieth hard upon me, and thou hast afflicted me with all thy waves. Selah.

8 Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.

9 Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction: LORD, I have called daily upon thee, I have stretched out my hands unto thee.

10 Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead? shall the dead arise and praise thee? Selah.

11 Shall thy lovingkindness be declared in the grave? or thy faithfulness in destruction?

12 Shall thy wonders be known in the dark? and thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?

13 But unto thee have I cried, O LORD; and in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee.

14 LORD, why castest thou off my soul? why hidest thou thy face from me?

15 I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up: while I suffer thy terrors I am distracted.

16 Thy fierce wrath goeth over me; thy terrors have cut me off.

17 They came round about me daily like water; they compassed me about together.

18 Lover and friend hast thou put far from me, and mine acquaintance into darkness.

Commentary

This psalm is unique in its raw honesty and lack of resolution. Unlike many other psalms, it doesn't end on a note of triumph or praise. Instead, it leaves us in the depths of suffering, with no clear indication of what comes next. This can be difficult to read and sit with, especially for those of us who are uncomfortable with unresolved pain. However, it is an important reminder that our faith journey is not always a linear progression from darkness to light. There are times when we will feel lost and abandoned, and our cries to God may seem to go unanswered. Yet, even in the midst of our pain, we can hold onto the truth that God is sovereign and faithful, and that He will ultimately bring us through to the other side.