Psalm 88

Psalm 88: A Deep Cry for Salvation

Introduction

"Psalm 88" is a profound expression of distress and a plea for divine intervention. This psalm, attributed to Heman the Ezrahite, serves as a powerful testament to the human experience of despair and the longing for solace.

The Cry for Help

The psalmist begins with a heartfelt appeal to the Lord, expressing their unwavering commitment to prayer. They recount their struggles and sorrows, feeling overwhelmed by the weight of their burdens. The psalmist's soul is filled with troubles, and their life seems to be drawing near to the grave. They feel abandoned and forsaken, likening themselves to those who have been forgotten by God.

Despair and Loneliness

In their deepest moments of despair, the psalmist feels utterly alone. Their acquaintances have distanced themselves, treating them as an abomination. The psalmist is shut in, unable to find any escape from their pain. Their eyes are filled with sorrow, and they reach out to God daily, stretching their hands in supplication.

Questions of Faith

The psalmist questions the nature of God's presence and the possibility of divine intervention in times of extreme distress. They wonder if wonders can be shown to the dead, and if the dead can arise to praise God. They ponder whether God's lovingkindness and faithfulness can be declared in the depths of despair and destruction. These questions reflect a profound struggle with faith and doubt.

Final Appeal

Despite their anguish, the psalmist continues to turn to God, crying out in the morning before the Lord. They ask why God has cast them off and hidden His face from them. The psalmist is afflicted and ready to die, consumed by the terrors of their own mortality. They feel surrounded by the wrath of God, their enemies closing in like water, threatening to overwhelm them completely.

Conclusion

"Psalm 88" is a raw and unfiltered expression of human suffering and the deep longing for divine compassion. It serves as a reminder that even in our darkest hours, we can still turn to God with our cries for help.