Psalm 88:1-18
Psalm 88 is not a "feel good" psalm for me. The author is distressed and hurting and when we get to the final verse, he's still there. Now if you're like me, you want (maybe even expect?) to see things righted by the time we get to the end of the chapter, kind of like how we like movies to have a happy ending. But Psalm 88 isn't a movie. It's real life, and as we know, hard circumstances take time to work through.
So what does Psalm 88 show us about communicating with God in and through tough times--when we are hurting, afraid, discouraged, feeling hopeless? Tami W.
It shows me that I have to fight my way out of the pit. The only resource I have to do this is Prayer to my heavenly Father. Please God, never let me put sin back between us. Please let me be quick to confess it and turn from it so that our fellowship is restored immediately.
God knows what is on our mind all day. so we might as well be honest and tell him what we are thinking. Especially if it a complaint or dissatisfaction with how we see god or how we think he is or isn't working in our life. He can handle our honesty. Tough times can sometimes change our focus onto eternal promises instead of what we want changed today.
I have to say that going to tough times is no piece of cake and sometimes I forget whom I should give it to and ask him to let me see what I should be learning from this. The message at church was about our soul. That when we feel discouraged and feel like we're missing something in our lives we need to go to God that he is calling us to get back to him. Because when we're with him we have nothing to feel like we're missing anything. Deny ourselves and feed our soul with God's Word.
Who says the Bible isn't relevant? Psalm 88 is a magnificent testimony to God knowing exactly what human depression is like... Feeling abandoned...feelings that "sweep" over you like a flood...feeling closed in on all sides. (v16-17). Too often we try to "cheer up" those who are in this place, yet when I give someone in this condition one of these Psalms of Lament to read, they always shout, "this guy knows the space I am in!" Kinship in suffering is such a comfort to those who walk through this dark valley "thou art with me" (Ps 23)
There was a time when I experienced being pushed into the pit and I have nobody to ask for help. The persons I thought would rescue me, abandoned me instead. It was the first time that I realized that there is a God of Salvation. From that time on I only count on Him for help and guidance. He brought me back to where I am and keep on reassuring me that He is beside me always. I am inviting you to give God a chance in your lives and you will feel complete.
That's the way I feel now live I'm in the pit And it seems that even the father doesn't Hear my prayers I have been Praying for over twenty three years For the father in heaven to send Someone to help me some help with my disable son an no one seem to care, I just don't understand , I try so hard to do the lord will,i Stop doing all the thing I use to do i pray and all do is listen to TV minister and it seems that l can't get pray to reach the father , What am I doing so wrong, l feel so lonely, please pray for me an my Disable son.
Anonymous,
Thank you for sharing your difficult situation with us. Our staff would be glad to pray for you and your son.
We recommend contacting your pastor or local church leaders for assistance. They may be able to help you find a Christian brother or sister who could relieve your situation at times.
Sometimes, when everything seems to be going against us, we tend to feel that God has either forsaken or forgotten us. I think one reason for this is that we try to measure God's presence by our feelings. Feelings are a faulty measure for any of life's realities, including the presence of God. God has promised, "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Heb. 13:5). Shall we use our feelings as the standard by which to gauge how God keeps this promise? Or, shall we measure by the standard of God's eternal trustworthiness and faithfulness? Our feelings may give us a false reading, especially in times of difficulty.
Perhaps Hebrews 12:1-4 can at least point you in the direction where you will find grace and strength. This is a passage which gives guidelines for coping (persevering or enduring) when the pathway we walk is not an easy one. Directing our attention to Jesus, who originated and will complete our faith, verses two and three remind us that He endured indescribable suffering on the cross, and that He did so by considering the future joy which awaited Him.
Although focusing on joys which await us in the glory of God's presence does not minimize the present pain, such a focus can bring light to a very dark path. In fact, Romans 8:18 reminds us that the glory ahead for the Christian gives us proper perspective on present suffering.
Again, you will be in our prayers. If we can be of further help, please email us at info@backtothebible.org
Ray
Biblical Correspondent at Back to the Bible