Passage: Psalm 88
The Big Idea
Psalm 88 is the darkest psalm in the Bible. Heman cries day and night, feels close to the grave, cut off and forgotten, with friends far away. It ends in darkness, with no resolution. Yet it begins, O Lord, God of my salvation. Even in the pit, he keeps praying to the God who saves. And it points us to Jesus, who was truly cut off and forsaken so that we never will be.
Reflections
O Lord, God of my salvation, I have cried out day and night before You (v. 1). You never leave me or forsake me, and Your love never fails. You’re my Father and the God who saves me. You hear when I cry.
Let my prayer come before You (v. 2). That the God of the universe would hear me! I don’t deserve this audience, but You’ve adopted me with all the rights of a son. What haven’t I understood yet about being Your son? I want to hear the answer through our relationship.
For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to the grave (v. 3). Maybe that’s dramatic, but I feel the end of my strength. It makes me long for Your presence more. If You want to use me, show me how today. I’m too tired to go looking for hidden tasks. Give me a second chance where I’ve failed.
I am like a man who has no strength, adrift among the dead (vv. 4-5). Jesus, I need Your life in all things. You’re my life, way, truth, light and door. The grave is no place for Your beloved. I’ll abide in You. Your Spirit is my breath.
You have laid me in the lowest pit… Your wrath lies heavy upon me (vv. 6-7). You see where I am. Help me here. I can’t escape what You allow in my life, so I must learn to trust You through it.
You have put away my acquaintances far from me… I am shut up, and I cannot get out (v. 8). There are seasons like this, when we’re isolated and cut off.
Lord, I have called daily upon You; I have stretched out my hands to You (v. 9). I pursue You. I won’t let go until You bless me.
Will You work wonders for the dead?… Shall Your lovingkindness be declared in the grave? (vv. 10-12). Act for Your own name! I’m still alive, and I want to live fully for You today. Now is the time to walk with You by faith and humility. You’ll answer at the right time. Help me speak rightly about You, or not speak at all.
But to You I have cried out, O Lord, and in the morning my prayer comes before You (v. 13). Hear my prayer. Set us free. Give us wisdom and passion for Your gospel.
Lord, why do You cast off my soul? Why do You hide Your face from me? (v. 14). I do feel abandoned. But I know it isn’t true.
I have been afflicted and ready to die from my youth (vv. 15-17). This is how I feel. I need Your love more than ever. I could blame You, but I surrender to Your wisdom. You’re nothing but love. You’re my Father, You know what’s best, and You’re in complete control. Everything I have is mercy.
Loved one and friend You have put far from me (v. 18). I’m made for relationship with You, and I need the people You put around me. Surround me with Your presence, then with the love of dear ones. Forgive the sin that causes separation. And Jesus, I believe You were separated so that I don’t have to be. Because of You, the Father turns His face toward me and His ear to my prayer.
Grace Takeaway
Psalm 88 gives you permission to pray honestly from the darkness. You don’t have to wrap your prayers in a bow. Jesus went into the pit, truly forsaken, so that you never will be. Keep calling Him “God of my salvation,” even when the lights are out.
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