Psalms 88: Summary

Psalms 88, authored by Heman the Ezrahite, is often cited as one of the most despondent chapters in the Book of Psalms. This psalm doesn’t conclude with expressions of hope or relief as do many other psalms; instead, it maintains a consistent tone of deep anguish and despair.

1-9: The psalmist begins by expressing his daily prayers and agony to the Lord, sharing how his soul is full of troubles and how he feels close to death.

10-12: He questions whether God will perform wonders for the dead, as they cannot praise Him from the grave.

13-18: The psalmist talks about praying to God in the morning and describes himself as overborne by God’s wrath. He feels surrounded by darkness and abandoned by his friends.

Life Applications:

1. Honesty in Prayer (Verses 1-9): One takeaway is the psalmist’s raw honesty in his communication with God. It demonstrates that it’s acceptable to bring our despair and questions before God in prayer, not just our praise and thanksgiving.
2. Questioning God (Verses 10-12): It’s okay to have questions and doubts. These verses could encourage believers to seek understanding and express their uncertainties to God, trusting that He listens even to our hardest questions.
3. Feeling Abandoned (Verses 13-18): Even in feeling forsaken by friends and surrounded by darkness, the psalmist continues to reach out to God. This could encourage believers to remain persistent in prayer and faithfulness even in the midst of deep despair and isolation.

Despite its somber tone, Psalms 88 can be a companion in dark times, reminding believers that they are not the first to experience despair and that it’s okay to express all emotions to God, not only the positive ones. Furthermore, it can be seen as a testament that faith is not always about joy and praise but also involves wrestling with God in the midst of suffering and pain.