Psalm 88
Today's Passage: Psalm 88
Some commentators have called Psalm 88 the darkest chapter of the Bible (the last word in the original Hebrew is darkness.)
But this Psalm is so relatable. Tragedy, suffering, pain, turmoil, anguish – these are all things we have experienced/feel by living in a sinful world. I love what one commentary had to say, “Even as a local church, we can’t just speak upbeat truths to upbeat people. Why? Because on any given Sunday there are people in that sanctuary who are barely hanging on, and if our worship pretends everything is awesome, it’s painting a false picture of reality… The truth of Psalm 88 is that God gives his people songs in the night. Songs they can sing, we can sing, when darkness closes in.”
What does this Psalm teach us to do in the midst of darkness? Two things:
How have you seen the darkness in your life draw you closer to God? How about away from God?
Written By: Brice Stockton
Some commentators have called Psalm 88 the darkest chapter of the Bible (the last word in the original Hebrew is darkness.)
But this Psalm is so relatable. Tragedy, suffering, pain, turmoil, anguish – these are all things we have experienced/feel by living in a sinful world. I love what one commentary had to say, “Even as a local church, we can’t just speak upbeat truths to upbeat people. Why? Because on any given Sunday there are people in that sanctuary who are barely hanging on, and if our worship pretends everything is awesome, it’s painting a false picture of reality… The truth of Psalm 88 is that God gives his people songs in the night. Songs they can sing, we can sing, when darkness closes in.”
What does this Psalm teach us to do in the midst of darkness? Two things:
• Be honest with God (v. 3) – There is nothing you can hide from God. He knows it all. Being truthful with God is for our benefit – it takes the weight of trying to hide something off our shoulders.
• Run to God (v. 1-2, 9, 13) – This is probably the most important. In the hurting, the Psalmist runs to God. He continually mentions calling out to God. He knew who was in control and who could handle his situation – God.
How have you seen the darkness in your life draw you closer to God? How about away from God?
Written By: Brice Stockton
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