Psalm 88

1. O Lord, God of my salvation,

I cry out day and night before you.

1. Let my prayer come before you;

incline your ear to my cry!

1. For my soul is full of troubles,

and my life draws near to Sheol.

1. I am counted among those who go down to the pit;

I am a man who has no strength,

1. like one set loose among the dead,

like the slain that lie in the grave,

like those whom you remember no more,

for they are cut off from your hand.

1. You have put me in the depths of the pit,

in the regions dark and deep.

1. Your wrath lies heavy upon me,

and you overwhelm me with all your waves. Selah

1. You have caused my companions to shun me;

you have made me a horror to them.

I am shut in so that I cannot escape;

1. my eye grows dim through sorrow.

Every day I call upon you, O Lord;

I spread out my hands to you.

1. Do you work wonders for the dead?

Do the departed rise up to praise you? Selah

1. Is your steadfast love declared in the grave,

or your faithfulness in Abaddon?

1. Are your wonders known in the darkness,

or your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?

1. But I, O Lord, cry to you;

in the morning my prayer comes before you.

1. O Lord, why do you cast my soul away?

Why do you hide your face from me?

1. Afflicted and close to death from my youth up,

I suffer your terrors; I am helpless.

1. Your wrath has swept over me;

your dreadful assaults destroy me.

1. They surround me like a flood all day long;

they close in on me together.

1. You have caused my beloved and my friend to shun me;

my companions have become darkness.

What is the Meaning of Psalm

Exploring the Depths of Human Suffering in Psalm 88

In Psalm 88, the psalmist bares their soul, laying out their deepest anguish before God. The psalmist's cry for help is raw and unfiltered, reflecting a sense of desperation and isolation. This psalm reminds us that it's okay to pour out our hearts to God, even when we feel utterly alone.

Verse 1: "O Lord, God of my salvation, I cry out day and night before you." The psalmist begins by acknowledging God as their source of salvation, yet their anguish is so intense that they cry out ceaselessly. This verse highlights the psalmist's persistent plea for help in the face of overwhelming distress.

Verse 2: "Let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my cry!" Here, the psalmist implores God to listen attentively to their prayer, emphasizing the urgency of their situation. The psalmist's words express a deep longing for God's intervention and a plea for divine mercy amidst their suffering.

Verse 3: "For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol." This verse vividly portrays the psalmist's profound distress, painting a stark picture of the turmoil within their soul. The reference to Sheol, the realm of the dead, underscores the psalmist's sense of impending doom and the gravity of their circumstances.

What is the Message of Psalm

The Message of Psalm 3: Finding Strength in God's Protection

When life feels overwhelming and enemies surround us, Psalm 3 reminds us to turn to God for strength and protection. In the midst of challenges and uncertainties, we can find peace and courage by seeking refuge in the Lord. Trusting in God's unfailing love and guidance, we can face each day with hope and confidence.

Psalm 3 teaches us that even in our darkest moments, we are not alone – God is always by our side, ready to shield us from harm. By placing our trust in Him, we can overcome fear and find comfort in His presence. Let this psalm be a source of encouragement and a reminder that God's protection is our greatest strength.

How to Pray Psalm

A Prayer Inspired by How to Pray Psalm

Dear God, as I come before you in prayer, I seek to connect with your presence and to seek your guidance and protection. I reflect on the words of the psalm, allowing them to sink deep into my soul and guide my thoughts and emotions.

I pour out my heart to you, sharing my joys, fears, struggles, and hopes openly and honestly. I trust in your faithfulness, remembering how you have been with me in the past and believing that you will continue to provide comfort, strength, and direction in the present and the future.

Lord, I invite you into this moment, asking you to make your presence known to me and to guide me as I navigate through life's challenges and uncertainties. Thank you for always being ready to listen and for your unwavering love and grace. Amen.

Conclusion

Psalm 88 is a heartfelt prayer that resonates with many who have experienced deep sorrow and despair. It is a reminder that it's okay to be honest with God about our struggles and pain, as He is always ready to listen and offer comfort. With its 18 verses, this psalm serves as a powerful example of turning to God in times of trouble.

It's important to remember that even in our darkest moments, we can find hope and solace in God's mercy and love. Psalm 88 encourages us to lean on God's strength and trust in His unfailing presence in our lives. When we pray this psalm, we are reminded that we are never alone, even when we feel overwhelmed by our circumstances.

As we reflect on the message of Psalm 88, let us hold onto the truth that God is our refuge and our source of peace. Through this prayer, we can find reassurance that God hears our cries and understands our pain, offering us a sense of comfort and assurance. In times of trouble, may we always turn to God, knowing that He is always ready to provide us with the strength and hope we need.