Should THIS be in the Bible? – Praying Psalm 88

Understanding a Psalm of Darkness and Unanswered Prayers

Today’s Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship, likely led by Matthew Vander Els, focuses on Psalm 88, a unique and often unsettling passage within the Book of Psalms. This psalm stands out because it is arguably the bleakest psalm in the entire Bible. Unlike other psalms of lament that typically conclude with the author finding solace in God and offering praise, Psalm 88 ends with the psalmist feeling abandoned and overwhelmed by darkness, with no resolution or divine response.

The speaker emphasizes that the inclusion of such a dark and seemingly hopeless psalm in the Bible is intentional and serves a crucial purpose. When the series on Psalms began, coinciding with the start of the pandemic, it became clear that understanding these ancient prayers could be a vital resource for navigating difficult times. Psalm 88, in particular, addresses the reality that sometimes, even for believers, life can be incredibly challenging, and prayers may seem to go unanswered.

Many people hold the misconception that a life devoted to Christianity should be perpetually joyful and free from hardship. However, the speaker argues that this portrayal is inaccurate and potentially damaging because it doesn’t reflect the realities of living in a broken world. Even with the victory of Jesus over sin and death, Christians will still face trials, pain, and moments of deep despair. Psalm 88 provides a powerful and honest expression of this experience, acknowledging the feelings of doubt, unanswered prayers, and profound depression that can affect anyone, including people of faith.

Psalm 88 is a raw and powerful expression of a person crying out to God in intense suffering and feeling met with only silence. The psalmist describes being overwhelmed with troubles, feeling close to death, and being forsaken by friends. The vivid imagery used portrays a sense of being trapped in darkness, with God’s wrath weighing heavily upon him. He even questions God’s motives, suggesting that God will lose the opportunity for praise if he doesn’t intervene.

It’s important to understand that the Psalms are poetry, not narrative or historical accounts. Therefore, Psalm 88 is not necessarily telling a specific story but rather expressing the intense emotions and spiritual struggle of an individual, identified in the superscription as Haman the Ezraite. The fact that this lament was intended to be sung in a tone of affliction highlights the depth of sorrow and the communal aspect of even the darkest experiences.

The structure of Psalm 88 has been analyzed by scholars, revealing a potential chiastic structure that builds tension towards the psalmist’s desperate petition and inquiry of God. The psalm begins with an address to Yahweh but ultimately concludes with darkness as the psalmist’s closest companion, illustrating a journey away from perceived divine presence. This lack of resolution is what makes Psalm 88 so unique and, for some, uncomfortable.

The speaker draws a compelling analogy to the movie “Avengers: Endgame” to illustrate the typical expectation of resolution and victory in storytelling. Just as the audience anticipates the heroes overcoming Thanos, readers often expect psalms of lament to end with God’s intervention and the psalmist’s praise. However, Psalm 88 subverts this expectation, ending without resolution, more akin to the unsettling conclusion of “Avengers: Infinity War.”

One way to understand Psalm 88 is through its placement in the Book of Psalms. Situated towards the end of Book 3, which chronicles the decline of the Davidic monarchy and the lead-up to the Babylonian exile, Psalm 88 could reflect the feelings of hopelessness and abandonment experienced during that period. For those in exile, stripped of their homes and facing a seemingly silent God, this psalm would have offered a powerful expression of their pain.

Despite the overwhelming darkness, a significant aspect of Psalm 88 is the psalmist’s persistent crying out to God. Even in the face of perceived silence and rejection, he continues to pray and plead for help. This unwavering persistence, even in despair, is a crucial takeaway from the psalm. It echoes the sentiment found at the end of Ecclesiastes, where, after acknowledging the vanities of life, the conclusion is to fear God and keep His commandments as the fundamental duty. This isn’t necessarily an encouraging call to prosperity but rather a desperate clinging to faithfulness in a difficult world.

The speaker cautions against diluting the discomfort of Psalm 88, as it mirrors the often uncomfortable realities of life. It was written for those who feel like giving up, assuring them that their feelings of abandonment and unanswered prayers are understood. The core message is to not stop crying out and to keep pushing forward even when darkness seems to prevail.

Interestingly, there is a potential New Testament connection to Psalm 88 in Luke 23:49, which describes Jesus’ followers standing at a distance during his crucifixion. The Greek phrase used by Luke parallels the Septuagint version of Psalm 88:8, “You removed the ones who knew me far from me.” This suggests an intentional link between the suffering of the psalmist and the suffering of Jesus on the cross. While Psalm 88 offers no resolution to the psalmist’s suffering, the death and resurrection of Jesus provide a real answer to human suffering, conquering death and separation from God. Therefore, Psalm 88, in its bleakness, points to the ultimate victory over darkness achieved by Jesus. It serves as a reminder that even in unresolved suffering, believers can find hope in the victory of Jesus.

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Applications for Everyday Life

• Acknowledge your struggles: It is okay for Christians to experience sadness, doubt, and despair. These feelings do not indicate a lack of faith.
• You are not alone: Many fellow believers go through similar times of darkness and unanswered prayers. Sharing your burdens can provide comfort and support.
• Persist in prayer: Even when God feels distant or silent, continue to cry out to Him. Your persistence is significant.
• Seek community: Reach out to your church, fellowship, friends, and family for support and encouragement during difficult times.
• Find hope in Jesus: Despite the darkness in the world and in personal experiences, the ultimate hope lies in Jesus’ victory over sin and death.
• Embrace the process: Spiritual growth and stronger faith often develop through challenging times rather than constant ease.

References

Bible Verses:

• Psalm 88
• Psalm 22
• Psalm 73
• Luke 23:49
• Psalm 88:8 (Septuagint)
• Ecclesiastes
• Ecclesiastes 12:13