September 3, 2024

Well, this feels dark . . .

Psalm 88

Meredith Thornton
Tuesday's Devo

September 3, 2024

Tuesday's Devo

September 3, 2024

Tuesday's Devo

September 3, 2024

Tuesday's Devo

September 3, 2024

Big Book Idea

Thinking and feeling God's way.

Key Verse | Psalm 88:8b-9

I am shut in so that I cannot escape;
my eye grows dim through sorrow.
Every day I call upon you, O LORD;
I spread out my hands to you.

Psalm 88

I Cry Out Day and Night Before You

A Song. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah. To the choirmaster: according to Mahalath Leannoth. A Maskil 1 88:1 Probably musical or liturgical terms of Heman the Ezrahite.

1  O LORD, God of my salvation,
    I cry out day and night before you.
2  Let my prayer come before you;
    incline your ear to my cry!

3  For my soul is full of troubles,
    and my life draws near to Sheol.
4  I am counted among those who go down to the pit;
    I am a man who has no strength,
5  like one set loose among the dead,
    like the slain that lie in the grave,
like those whom you remember no more,
    for they are cut off from your hand.
6  You have put me in the depths of the pit,
    in the regions dark and deep.
7  Your wrath lies heavy upon me,
    and you overwhelm me with all your waves. Selah

8  You have caused my companions to shun me;
    you have made me a horror 2 88:8 Or an abomination to them.
I am shut in so that I cannot escape;
9      my eye grows dim through sorrow.
Every day I call upon you, O LORD;
    I spread out my hands to you.
10  Do you work wonders for the dead?
    Do the departed rise up to praise you? Selah
11  Is your steadfast love declared in the grave,
    or your faithfulness in Abaddon?
12  Are your wonders known in the darkness,
    or your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?

13  But I, O LORD, cry to you;
    in the morning my prayer comes before you.
14  O LORD, why do you cast my soul away?
    Why do you hide your face from me?
15  Afflicted and close to death from my youth up,
    I suffer your terrors; I am helpless. 3 88:15 The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain
16  Your wrath has swept over me;
    your dreadful assaults destroy me.
17  They surround me like a flood all day long;
    they close in on me together.
18  You have caused my beloved and my friend to shun me;
    my companions have become darkness. 4 88:18 Or darkness has become my only companion

Footnotes

[1] 88:1 Probably musical or liturgical terms
[2] 88:8 Or an abomination
[3] 88:15 The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain
[4] 88:18 Or darkness has become my only companion
Table of Contents
Introduction to The Psalms

Introduction to The Psalms

Timeline

Author and Date

Individual psalms come from diverse periods of Israel’s history, but at every stage they served as the songbook of God’s people. David wrote about half of the Psalms. His role as king was more than that of a ruler. He was to represent and even embody the people, and their well-being was tied to his faithfulness. David, then, writes as a representative, and the readers must discern whether the emphasis of a psalm is more on his role as ruler or more on his role as ideal Israelite, in which he is an example for all. The historical occasions mentioned in the psalm titles help the reader see how faith applies to real-life situations.

Key Themes

The Psalter is fundamentally the hymnbook of God’s people. It takes the basic themes of OT theology and turns them into song:

  1. Monotheism. The one God, Maker and Ruler of all, will vindicate his goodness and justice in his own time. Everyone must know and love this God, whose purity, power, wisdom, faithfulness, and unceasing love are breathtakingly beautiful.
  2. Creation and fall. Though God made man with dignity and purpose, all people since the fall are beset with sins and weaknesses that only God’s grace can heal.
  3. Election and covenant. The one true God chose a people for himself and bound himself to them by his covenant. This covenant expressed God’s intention to save his people, and through them to bring light to the world.
  4. Covenant membership. In his covenant, God offers grace to his people: forgiveness of their sins, the shaping of their lives to reflect his own glory, and a part to play as light to the Gentiles. Each member of God’s people is responsible to believe God’s promises and to grow in obeying his commands. Those who do this enjoy the full benefits of God’s love and find delight in knowing him. The well-being of God’s people as a whole affects the well-being of each member. Each one shares the joys and sorrows of the others. When believers suffer, they should not seek revenge but should pray. They can be confident that God will make all things right in his own time.
  5. Eschatology. The story of God’s people is headed toward a glorious future, in which all kinds of people will come to know the Lord. The personal faithfulness of God’s people contributes to his ultimate purpose. The Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, will lead his people in the great task of bringing light to the Gentiles.

Types of Psalms

The Psalms can be identified according to some basic categories:

Laments, which lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help. There are community (Psalm 12) and individual (Psalm 13) laments. This category is the largest by far, including up to a third of all Psalms.

Hymns of praise, which call God’s people to admire his great attributes and deeds. Examples include Psalms 8; 93; and 145.

Hymns of thanksgiving. As with laments, there are community (Psalm 9) and individual (Psalm 30) thanksgiving psalms.

Hymns celebrating God’s law (Psalm 119).

Wisdom psalms (Psalms 1; 37), which reflect themes from the Wisdom Books (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon).

Songs of confidence, which enable worshipers to deepen their trust in God amid difficult circumstances (Psalm 23).

Royal psalms, which present the Davidic monarchy as the vehicle of blessing for God’s people. Some of these are prayers (Psalm 20), some are thanksgivings (Psalm 21). All relate to the Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, either by setting a pattern (Psalms 20–21) or by portraying the king’s reign in such a way that only the Messiah can completely fulfill it (Psalms 2; 72), or by focusing on the future (Psalm 110).

Historical psalms, which take lessons from the history of God’s dealings with his people (Psalm 78).

Prophetic hymns, which echo the Prophets, calling people to covenant faithfulness (Psalm 81).

Structure

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
The Global Message of The Psalms

The Global Message of The Psalms

The Psalms are a resounding call for all God’s people and for all the world to sing! We are called to sing songs of confession and trust in God; to sing songs of thanksgiving and praise. The Psalms summon the global church to take up the cause of calling the world to join in such global and eternal songs of trust in, delight in, and worship of God for his magnificence—especially his magnificence displayed in his saving mercy.

Songs of Honest Lament

There is a surprising degree of honesty found in the prayers and songs of the Psalms. We find honest lament to God, with frequent repetition of questions such as “Why?” and “How long?” The psalmist asks in Psalm 42:9, “Why have you forgotten me?” Another psalm wonders, “Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (10:1; see also 88:14). “How long, O LORD?” is a frequent cry to God in the Psalms (see 6:3; 13:1; 79:5; 89:46).

Such prayers flow from desperately challenging situations, in which life feels overwhelming. Yet they also reflect the confident expectations of our honest cries to our compassionate and faithful God. The Lord invites his people worldwide to be boldly transparent before him—no masks, no pretense—even when the heart is breaking. He promises never to abandon those who belong to him.

Songs of Repentance and Trust

Songs of repentance are scattered throughout the Psalms. In such songs there are confessions of corporate sin—“Both we and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness” (Ps. 106:6)—and individual songs of penitence (Psalms 6; 25; 32; 38; 51; 130; 143). These are not hopeless laments, but cries to a God who is a gracious deliverer (6:4), who deals with us according to his great love and mercy (51:1), and whose forgiveness flows from his goodness and not ours (130:3–4).

There is abundant reason to trust such a God for every good thing and in every situation (Psalm 23). To such a God we turn in times of great trouble, when we are at an utter loss in this fallen world. When enemies surround us and there is no one to help, God is our hope for deliverance (Psalm 22). Whether the desperate individual (Psalm 13) or the destitute community (Psalm 12) is in view, God is faithful to his promises. His steadfast love endures. He is worthy of our songs!

Songs of Thanksgiving and Praise

The Psalms are a divinely orchestrated hymnbook of thanksgiving and praise for God’s people. The covenant people of God return thanks to God for his wonderful deeds of deliverance, justice, and defense (Psalm 9), and for his favor and mercies (30:5, 7, 8, 10). All of this moves his people to burst into songs of joy and glad dancing (30:11–12).

In the Psalms, the people of God rejoice in all that God is and all that he has done. These songs of praise exalt God for his unsearchable greatness, his glorious splendor, and his awesome deeds (Ps. 145:3–6). He is worshiped as the King over all creation (93:1),the eternal King (10:16), the King of glory (24:8, 10), the King of all the earth (47:7), and the great King above all gods (95:3).

The Global Message of the Psalms

For all God’s people. The global message of the Psalms is that in light of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness there is a song to be sung by all God’s people everywhere—whatever their circumstances, whatever their emotions, whatever their adversity. The song to be sung will be of varied themes: lament, confession, repentance, thanksgiving, or praise to God. All of these, however, are songs of worship, expressing the universal experiences of God’s people. This is worship of God by the individual and the community, local and global, young and old (Ps. 148:12), now and forever (89:52). For a lost world filled with rebellion and sorrow, there is no greater remedy than a song that brings those who sing it to take refuge in God himself: a song for the oppressed, the hungry, the prisoner, the sojourner, the widow, and the fatherless (146:7–9).

A new song. The message of the Psalms is a call to the whole world to “Sing a new song!” “Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!” (Ps. 96:1). This is not a song of empty promises, but a song full of hope, a song exulting in the salvation of a covenant keeping and merciful God; not a song that fades, but an enduring, eternal song; a song of a God who lifts us out of mud and mire (69:2, 14).

Celebrating salvation. The book of Psalms opens with a picture of the two ways of life—the blessed and fruitful life of the one who delights in God, and the fleeting life of the wicked who (apart from God) stand condemned (Psalm 1). The world is called to set aside folly and to join in the life and song of the Redeemer, celebrating the salvation that is rooted in the sacrifice of the Savior (Psalm 22). This new song has been sung down through the ages; it continues today throughout the world; and it will one day be sung in the very throne room of God (Rev. 14:3).

Summoning the Nations

To the ends of the earth. The global church has a message for the world: join in this song! It is a celebration that will generate further praise—globally, generationally, and eternally. The church is to “declare his glory among the nations!” (Ps. 96:3). From Israel to the Christian church today to the global kingdom that will one day be known to the very ends of the earth, the redeemed of the Lord will come from every nation, tribe, people, and language, giving God thanks and celebrating his grace (Rev. 7:9).

For all nations. There is a message for the nations: “Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!” (Ps. 117:1). The Lord humbles the nations (9:5, 19, 20), but he extends to all an offer of mercy and grace. One day, the nations will become Christ’s inheritance (2:8). This song begins with us but it must not end with us. There is a glorious globalization of the worship of God that we are privileged to help advance. In Christ we have found fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore (16:11). In turn we call the nations as well to be glad and sing for joy in him (67:4).

Fulfilled in Jesus. The love and mercy of God that forms the heart of the Psalms explodes onto history with the coming of Christ. It is in and through him that believers worldwide see God’s covenant faithfulness right before their eyes.

Spreading God’s glory. That glorious, global worship of God through Jesus Christ is not yet fully known or complete. Generating it is therefore our glad mission while on this earth. We will not rest till God’s glorious name is blessed forever and the whole earth is filled with his glory (Ps. 72:19).

Psalms Fact #3: How are the Psalms divided?

Fact: How are the Psalms divided?

How are the Psalms divided? The Psalms are divided into five books: 1–41; 42–72; 73–89; 90–106; 107–150. Each book ends with a “doxology,” a hymn of praise to God.

Psalms Fact #4: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

Fact: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God? The Psalms were the songbook of the people of God when they gathered for worship.

Psalms Fact #6: What is a psalm of lament?

Fact: What is a psalm of lament?

What is a psalm of lament? The main purpose of a psalm of lament is to tell the Lord about a difficult situation, to ask him for his help, and to praise him for helping. Some laments are community, congregational psalms. Others are individual, personal laments. One third of all the Psalms are psalms of lament.

Psalms Fact #7: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

Fact: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

How many of the Psalms were written by David? David is the author of about half of the Psalms. Other authors include Asaph, Solomon, Moses, and the sons of Korah.

Psalms Fact #9: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

Fact: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel? The “enemies” mentioned in the Psalms (e.g., 18:17) were people hostile to the faith of God’s people. Sometimes they expressed their hatred by physically attacking the people of Israel, while other times they merely rejoiced when Israel faced misfortunes.

Psalms Fact #10: Are the Psalms poetry?

Fact: Are the Psalms poetry?

Are the Psalms poetry? The Psalms often reflect the feelings or emotions of the person who wrote the psalm. The book of Psalms includes poetry that covers all kinds of emotional feelings and experiences, from anguish and sorrow to great joy and thanksgiving.

Psalms Fact #12: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

Fact: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

How often does the NT quote from the Psalms? Of all the OT books, the Psalms and Isaiah are by far the two most widely quoted in the NT.

Psalms Fact #13: Selah

Fact: Selah

What does Selah mean? Although the word Selah is found 39 times in the book of Psalms, its exact meaning is uncertain. Most scholars believe it is a musical term or a term to be used by a worship leader, possibly to mark a pause.

Psalms Fact #20: Snares

Fact: Snares

Snares (38:12) were traps used to catch birds and animals. Some snares used ropes or nets that would be triggered as soon as the bait was touched. Pits disguised with sticks and leaves were also used as snares. In the Psalms, snares serve as symbols of danger or death at the hands of the wicked.

Psalms Fact #27: A helpful guide

Fact: A helpful guide

A helpful guide. The writers of the Psalms understood the importance of constant communication with God. They knew that God would hear their prayers, and they trusted him to act on their behalf. Believers today can benefit greatly by patterning their prayers after specific psalms.

Psalms Fact #28: Memorizing the Psalms

Fact: Memorizing the Psalms

Memorizing the Psalms. The poetic style of the Psalms make them easy to memorize. Throughout the centuries, many believers have memorized all 150 Psalms.

Psalms Fact #40: How long?

Fact: How long?

How long? This question (79:5) occurs nearly twenty times in the Psalms, more than any other question. It is almost always associated with a psalm of lament, such as Psalm 79.

Psalms Fact #45: Abaddon

Fact: Abaddon

Abaddon (88:11) means “place of destruction.” In Rev. 9:11 Abaddon is king of “the bottomless pit.”

Structure of Psalms

Structure of Psalms

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Ps. 88:1–2 The psalm reflects an ongoing (day and night) and urgent (I cry out, my cry) circumstance.

Study Notes

Ps. 88:3–9 The next section describes the trouble in general terms, focusing more on the feelings (my soul is full of troubles) than on the external circumstances. Your wrath lies heavy upon me. That is, “it feels like I am dying, and worse than that, dying under your wrath, with no hope either now or ever.” The members of the singing congregation are learning to keep coming to the Lord, even when they feel this way.

Study Notes
Psalms Fact #45: Abaddon

Fact: Abaddon

Abaddon (88:11) means “place of destruction.” In Rev. 9:11 Abaddon is king of “the bottomless pit.”

Study Notes

Ps. 88:10–12 The mention of dying under God’s wrath (vv. 3–7) leads to the question: Do you work wonders for the dead? If one were to die under God’s wrath, then he could not anticipate any experience of God’s wonders, or any chance to praise him.

Study Notes

Psalm Ps. 88. This is an individual lament. It is suited for a person who is so overwhelmed with troubles that even his friends shun him, and who suspects that the Lord has shunned him as well. The psalm does not specify the troubles, only that they feel like God’s punishment. Most laments close on a confidant note, but Psalm 88 has no explicit statement of confidence. However, there is insistent appeal to God (v. 1, “day and night”; v. 9, “every day”; v. 13, “in the morning”). The psalm instills a tough faith in its singers by reminding them to keep turning to God (the “God of my salvation,” v. 1), even during times when it seems that God does not answer.

Ps. 88:13–18 Darkness is the last word in the psalm. Yet the faithful know that there is no alternative but to keep seeking the Lord in prayer.

S3:173 Psalm 88

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Psalm 88

"[M]y companions have become darkness." (ESV)

"[D]arkness is my closest friend." (NIV)

"[T]he only friend I have left is Darkness." (MSG) (Psalm 88:18)

At one time in my life, this was the passage I most identified with in Scripture. Suffice it to say, it was a dark time (pun totally intended). I'm happy to report that is no longer true. God, through community, family, and re:gen (and a lot of therapy), pulled me out of that pit. When I first found this passage, I was in a low place and was frustrated by the traditional psalms that lament and then end with hope and happiness, tying up the writer's feelings in a neat little bow of "I'm sad and mad, but I still love and trust you, God." I wasn't in a neat little bow, and Psalm 88 validated that. It showed me that I could be angry with God and He could handle it. Like Genesis 32 when Jacob is wrestling with God, it showed me I could be mad and scream and yell and God could take it. More than that, it proved I could be angry with God and still have faith; I didn't have to be happy and joyful about it. I didn't have to have all the answers and trust that God's plan is perfect. I could doubt, but still turn to Him.

When I was living with Psalm 88 as my life verse, I wasn't really aware of how much it reassured my faith. Looking back, I see it clearly throughout the passage. The writer continues to cry out to God, lamenting his troubles over and over, but also seeking God throughout. Psalm 88:8b-9 states, "I am shut in so that I cannot escape; my eye grows dim through sorrow. Every day I call upon you, O LORD; I spread out my hands to you." There is no "I trust you," no "I love you," no "You are great, God." Just "God help me! I cannot do this! Why, God?!" I cannot think of a better picture of faith in the midst of sorrow.

This month's memory verse

If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

– Galatians 5:25

Discussion Questions

1. During seasons of depression, do you still go to God in prayer, or do you pull away and push Him out of your life?

2. What do you think God wants you to do when you are angry with Him or doubting His plan?

3. What does Scripture say about being angry with God?

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

MS

Michael Scaman

This Psalm is read in both the movie and book version of Sophie's Choice where Sophie lives with the tragic memories of the holocaust. It seems often in Psalms after some big victory is a lament psalm often even followed by a psalm of Jesus sufferings on the cross making victory possible. Examples psalms 30 and 31, 68 and 69. And here with 87 and 88. Jesus companion at the cross literally was darkness as the sun darkened. “You have caused my companions to shun me; you have made me a horror to them.” Unfriended and isolated. Like Job he credits his problems to God. “You have caused my beloved and my friend to shun me. my companions have become darkness.” Here we have the darkest lament in the psalms with no upturn of hope at the end. Yet this book 3 begins "surely God is good to Israel" and has sweet psalms 81 and 84 in the center of the storm. O Palmer Robertson explains why there is a tiny bit of hope here and some thoughts on the usefulness in counseling: “Walter Brueggemann, The Message of the Psalms: A Theological Commentary (Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1984), 80, offers a helpful note on the apparent hopelessness in this psalm: "this psalm is not a psalm of mute depression. It is still speech... In the bottom of the Pit, Israel still knows it has to do with Yahweh. It cannot be otherwise." Brueggemann next refers to William Styron's Sophie's Choice. A character named Stingo travels his sad way on a bus from Washington to New York to bury his two close friends, A black woman next to him lines out Psalm 88. These words from the psalmist console when easy words could offer no comfort. Says Brueggemann: "Psalm 88 stands as a mark of realism for biblical faith. It has its pastoral use, because there are situations in which easy, cheap talk of resolution must be avoided. Here are words not to be used frequently, but for the limited] experiences when words must be honest and not claim too much." Ibi., 81.”
MS

Michael Scaman

Psalms 88 and 89 end book 3 not with a bang but a whimper, a muffled praise. Some like Michael Reeves say the ending of psalms books 2 (Exodus like) and book 3 (Leviticus like) , the levitical books, and point to the ultimate sacrifice in Christ. Glorious things of Thee are spoken with enemies reconciled to God as citizens of Zion in psalm 87. Psalm 88 points to the cross, making that reconciliation possible. There was a bright flash of promise for enemies of God to turn to Him in 87. The discussion of crisis, pain and disappointment in book 3 also ends with two psalms from 2 of the wisest in the land. The suffering in psalm 88 has no upturn. The muted praise ending the book in psalm 89 has some hope but feels like working through a dystopia. Very different than the ending of book 2 which felt like a utopia. This feeling of conflict will be resolved in books 4 and 5.
GJ

greg jones

Good morning Meredith. Thank you for your service. Sincerely mean that. “Like Genesis 32 when Jacob is wrestling with God, it showed me I could be mad and scream and yell and God could take it. More than that, it proved I could be angry with God and still have faith; I didn't have to be happy and joyful about it. I didn't have to have all the answers and trust that God's plan is perfect. I could doubt, but still turn to Him.“ “I cannot think of a better picture of faith in the midst of sorrow.“ Amen Great deeper dive. O LORD, God of my salvation, I cry out day and night before you. Psalm 88:1 Heman the grandson of Samuel, Israel’s last judge, the one who anoints Israel’s first two kings. Something significant about that tying into the deeper dive. Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah and said to him, “Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations.” But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” And Samuel prayed to the Lord. And the Lord said to Samuel, “Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them. According to all the deeds that they have done, from the day I brought them up out of Egypt even to this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are also doing to you. 1 Samuel 8:4-8 Heman is an outlier among his contemporaries. There’s just something different about the faith of outliers. Again great deeper dive.
LD

Lindsey Driscoll

Meredith, I am so grateful the littlest littles in our Church body are loved by you. Serving alongside you years ago with kids, i have seen you bring so much joy to the kids of our church as you teach them about the Lord. Thank you for serving this way. Great deeper dive today, sharing so vulnerably and honestly about giving God your feelings, knowing he can be trusted with them. Q2. I see the example from Heman: #1. Put truth before my heart. Verse 88:1 O Lord, the God who saves me. #2. In the dark, continue to call out to the Lord. Verses 1,2, 9, and 13 all reference crying out, Herman’s prayer, calling out, and lifting his hands. In the darkest pit Heman never stops calling out to the Lord, taking his emotions to the Lord.
JC

Jason Cromwell

Reading this at this exact moment is just what I need. My dad had a possible Stroke last night and I'm waiting to hear from my Mum. So, today's devotional isn't a "What If" for me it's currently reality. Just be honest about how you are feeling with God. The good, the bad and the ugliness of living in a fallen world. He knows your heart anyway. Whatever happens over the next few days, weeks and months I know I have a God I can turn to no matter what season I am in.
AL

Amy Lowther

1. God is helpful in everything I do. 2. God is a good listener and a good helper. If I am angry with God or doubting His plan, He would want me talking to Him to identify the causes of the anger and the causes of the doubt. God would also want me talking to Him to identify positive ways to live without being angry or in doubt of His plan. 3. Scripture in Psalms 30:2 encourages me not to be angry by saying “Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me." Meredith - Thank you for sharing your ideas. Thank you for sharing your experiences and how God helped you. God is good. Trust Him.
SB

Sue Bohlin

EXCELLENT devo, Meredith, thank you so much! And Jason, I am praying for you, your dad and your family. I'm so sorry. It's good that this psalm was included in the psalter because there IS no happy bow on it. It's about the "dark night of the soul." Some people don't get to the sweet, rewarding place of resolution this side of heaven. Our son didn't. But he does today, on the other side of death's door, and I am so grateful that we know so much more about life after death than the Old Testament believers did. What a gift we have been given in progressive revelation, where we have so much more light about heaven than they used to have.