Psalm 88: God’s Mercy Endures Forever

Introduction: Psalm 88 is a statement of human despair and divine consolation, a compelling passage within the book of Psalms. This psalm does not follow the typical pattern of lament followed by praise; rather, it remains in a state of lament throughout, presenting a raw, honest portrayal of suffering. Throughout this outline, we will delve into the depth of human despair and the divine solace that permeates the psalm despite its seemingly despondent tone.

I. Psalm 88:1-2: The Cry for Help
The psalmist opens this passage with a plea to God for mercy, demonstrating the depth of their despair. This sense of anguish is reminiscent of Job’s lament in Job 7:7 and Job’s cry to God in Job 19:7. In this desperate plea, we see a parallel with David’s plea in Psalm 22:2. The cry for help in these verses symbolizes our human need for divine intervention in the face of suffering.

II. Psalm 88:3-9: The Description of Affliction
The psalmist vividly portrays their affliction, stating that their soul is full of troubles (v3). This deep despair echoes afflictions experienced by Biblical figures like Jeremiah in Lamentations 3:15-16 and Jonah in Jonah 2:5-6. The psalmist’s statement of being cut off from God’s hand (v5) reminds us of Christ’s feeling of abandonment on the cross in Matthew 27:46.

III. Psalm 88:10-12: The Questioning of God
In these verses, the psalmist questions God, asking if His wonders could be known in darkness or His righteousness in the land of forgetfulness (v12). This questioning is akin to Job’s questioning of God in Job 14:10-12 and Solomon’s contemplation of death in Ecclesiastes 9:10. They all wrestle with the mystery of God’s workings, particularly in situations of suffering and death.

IV. Psalm 88:13-18: The Plea for Deliverance and the Silence of God
In the final verses, the psalmist renews their plea for deliverance (v13), similar to David’s plea in Psalm 69:1-3. The psalmist ends by stating their companions have become darkness (v18), interpreting God’s silence as abandonment. This is reminiscent of Christ’s experience of divine silence on the cross in Matthew 27:46 and Paul’s wrestling with God’s silence in 2 Corinthians 12:7-9.

Conclusion: Psalm 88 presents a raw, honest portrayal of human despair in the face of suffering. Yet, it also subtly offers divine solace. Though God’s silence is interpreted as abandonment, the very act of the psalmist crying out to God in their suffering signifies a profound faith in God’s ultimate deliverance. This psalm serves as a reminder that God is present even in our darkest moments, offering solace and hope in the midst of despair.