PSALM 88

[Psa 88:1-2, 6-7 NKJV] 1 A Song. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. To the Chief Musician. Set to “Mahalath Leannoth.” A Contemplation of Heman the Ezrahite. O LORD, God of my salvation, I have cried out day and night before You. 2 Let my prayer come before You; Incline Your ear to my cry. … 6 You have laid me in the lowest pit, In darkness, in the depths. 7 Your wrath lies heavy upon me, And You have afflicted [me] with all Your waves. Selah

PSALM 88:1-2, 6-7

HEMAN PRAYED IN THE DARK

I used to have “Heman” toys growing up, but I doubt that guy was the same Heman as referenced here. This Heman thoughtfully called out to God in the midst of the darkest time of his life. It was so dark, he couldn’t see any light. This is one of the few Psalms that ends without a kick up looking for the LORD to “save the day.” In doing so, he points us to the reality that some of our darkest moments are our longest.

No one wants to be in the darkest moments of their life for long, but sometimes we get stuck there. Sometimes it is circumstances that are well beyond our control. Sometimes it is tough to find a grateful attitude for all the adversity that comes your way. At some point it can feel personal, like perhaps God Himself has aimed the war bow of heaven at you… but Heman for all his woe, still calls out to God in the darkest time of his life.

That I think is what we are to contemplate. That even when our circumstances are beyond our control and comprehension. When we feel affliction from every side. When we don’t know how to breath or which way is up… God is there! He is big enough to hear your woe’s, He can handle your complaints about the calamities in your life.

We learn something about God and Heman in the dark. Heman won’t let go of God because somewhere in the middle of all this chaos, grumbling, and commiserating, Heman knows that God hasn’t let go of him. He may be grieving the loss of those closest to him, but he hasn’t lost God. While that doesn’t take the darkness away, it makes it more barrable to know that despite his silence, God is still there.

PRAYER

Father, You are God alone in the good times and bad. You reign when I see your hand moving so wonderfully among your people and when I struggle in the dark. There are many questions that I have that probably won’t be answered this side of heaven, but there are also many instances where I’ve learned to ask better questions. Thank you for the grace of your presence, may I never take it for granted that you are a God who hears the prayers of his saints, even when they are in the dark! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

I’m reading and blogging the Psalms Through The Summer. I’d love for you to join me. You can find out a little more here.