Psalm 88: The Darkest Psalm
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Psalm 88 “has been called the most mournful and despondent of the psalms. This psalm, attributed to David . . . , was probably composed at a time of most grievous physical and mental suffering. There is in it not a single ray of hope (except in the trustful address: ‘O LORD God of my salvation’). It is one long wail of undiluted sorrow, concluding with the word ‘darkness.’ David suffers, fears death, prays for relief, but shows no expectation of receiving the answer to his prayer. Nevertheless, he holds serenely on to God and continues to pray in simple faith that God will hear (vs. 1, 2, 9, 13).” David never despairs, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Though beset with troubles, his faith in God is solid (v. 1).
David knows that many believe him as good as dead (v. 4).
He mistakenly believes God forgets those who sleep in death (v. 5). He is in deep despair (v. 6). He believes his suffering is caused by God’s anger (v. 7).
David has been isolated (v. 8). He wonders why God has left him to die since the dead cannot praise God (vv. 10, 11). David does not give up hope (v. 13).
He is perplexed, however, why God is not answering him (v. 14).
Why is he being left to suffer alone? As far back as memory will allow, he can remember no time he has not had to deal with this worsening affliction (v. 15).
David is like a drowning man. He fears the future (vv. 15–17).
In verse 18, like verse 8, he says that he has no friends to support him.
“It is well to note, despite the hopelessness of the psalm, that David confesses God as his Saviour (v. 1); acknowledges His loving-kindness, faithfulness, strength, and righteousness (vs. 10–12); and continues to pray (v. 13).” “Not now, but in the coming years, / It may be in the better land, / We’ll read the meaning of our tears, / And there, sometime, we’ll understand.”
