Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy, when I cry to you for help. –
Psalm 28:2
Psalm 88 is probably the most melancholy of all the Psalms. It is a lament, and the psalmist, Heman the Ezrahite, is completely and utterly overwhelmed. He has gone from depression to despondency. Heman is the grandson of Samuel, the prophet, He was called “the singer” and was one of the three chief musicians during the reign of King David. The British Old Testament scholar and commentary writer Derek Kidner said, “There is no sadder prayer in the Psalter. Here, as with other laments, the reader’s part need not be that of a spectator, whatever his current mood, but that of comparison in prayer to the depressed or outcast people whose state of mind the psalmist puts into words: words which are for use.”
The prayer of this psalm makes it clear, however, that Heman absolutely trusts in God. He describes God as the one who saves “me,” not just other people. He prays because he believes that God is the Source of compassion.
What can you learn from this Psalm for the times when you may feel despondent? First of all, be real with God—He knows all of it anyhow, including how hard your life may be and how He intends for you to grow through trials. Know that God has your future well in hand, and He listens to your pleas. His purpose is for you to be steadfast in your prayer life under every circumstance (Philippians 4:6).
Meditate on Lamentations 3:22-23, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
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