Psalm 88 King James Version

1. O Lord God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee:
2. Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry;
3. For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave.
4. I am counted with them that go down into the pit: I am as a man that hath no strength:
5. Free among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, whom thou rememberest no more: and they are cut off from thy hand.
6. Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps.
7. Thy wrath lieth hard upon me, and thou hast afflicted me with all thy waves. Selah.
8. Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.
9. Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction: Lord, I have called daily upon thee, I have stretched out my hands unto thee.
10. Wilt thou show wonders to the dead? shall the dead arise and praise thee? Selah.
11. Shall thy lovingkindness be declared in the grave? or thy faithfulness in destruction?
12. Shall thy wonders be known in the dark? and thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?
13. But unto thee have I cried, O Lord; and in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee.
14. Lord, why castest thou off my soul? why hidest thou thy face from me?
15. I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up: while I suffer thy terrors I am distracted.
16. Thy fierce wrath goeth over me; thy terrors have cut me off.
17. They came round about me daily like water; they compassed me about together.
18. Lover and friend hast thou put far from me, and mine acquaintance into darkness.

What is the Meaning of Psalm

Psalm 88: Exploring the Depths of Lamentation

Verse 1: The psalmist cries out day and night, pleading for God's mercy and attention in the midst of overwhelming distress.

Verse 9: The speaker feels abandoned by both friends and God, isolated in darkness and despair without any source of comfort.

Verse 18: Despite the bleakness of the psalmist's situation, he acknowledges God as his only hope and refuge, clinging to faith even in the depths of suffering.

What is the Message of Psalm

The Message of Psalm 88: Finding Faith in the Depths of Despair

Psalm 88 conveys a powerful message of unwavering faith and reliance on God, even in the darkest moments of despair and isolation. The psalmist's deep anguish and cries for help highlight the human experience of feeling overwhelmed and abandoned, yet still turning to God for assistance. Despite the overwhelming despair depicted, the underlying message is that even in the depths of suffering, one can find comfort and strength by acknowledging God's sovereignty.

In the contrasting emotions portrayed in Psalm 88, we see the psalmist moving from despair and isolation to moments of faithfulness and acknowledgment of God's presence. The psalmist's cries for help and feelings of being cut off are met with a sense of unwavering faith and trust in God's ultimate power and sovereignty. This psalm serves as a reminder that even in the darkest moments of life, there is hope and solace to be found in turning to God for guidance and support.

How to Pray Psalm

A Prayer for Strength and Guidance: Praying Psalm 88

Dear Lord, in this moment of darkness and despair, I come before you with a heavy heart. I lay bare my struggles and doubts, knowing that you are always there to listen and provide comfort. As I reflect on the words of Psalm 88, I let them shape my prayers and guide my conversation with you. Help me find solace in your presence, knowing that even in the midst of my deepest pain, you are near. Grant me strength to face the challenges before me and the faith to trust in your unwavering love and boundless grace. Amen.

Conclusion

Psalm 88 in the King James Version is a heartfelt prayer that spans 18 verses, filled with raw emotions and a deep yearning for God's presence. As we reflect on this psalm, it's important to remember that it's okay to bring our struggles and pain to God in prayer, just like the psalmist did. Through this psalm, we are reminded that even in our darkest moments, we can find solace in turning to God for comfort and strength.

It's good to keep in mind that Psalm 88 doesn't end with resolution or a happy conclusion, but rather it captures the reality of feeling abandoned and overwhelmed. Despite the despair expressed in this psalm, it teaches us the power of honest communication with God, even when we can't see a way out. In times of trouble, we can find solace in knowing that God is always ready to listen to our cries and provide us with the peace and hope we desperately seek.