Depressing or Uplifting

This morning I read Psalm 88 in the New Living Translation.

The introduction read, “For the choir director: A psalm of the descendants of Korah. A song to be sung to the tune ‘The Suffering of Affliction.’ A psalm of Heman the Ezrahite.” I soon saw why this psalm would be sung to the tune “The Suffering of Affliction.” It starts with a positive line —“O Lord, God of my salvation”— but quickly goes downhill. Although the song mentions God, it really is all about Heman and his troubles: I cry out to you by day. I come to you at night. Now hear my prayer; listen to my cry. For my life is full of troubles (verses 1–3, NLT). Then Heman blames God and accuses Him: “You have driven my friends away” (verse 8, NLT). “Why do you reject me?” (verse 14, NLT). “Your fierce anger has overwhelmed me” (verse 16, NLT).

He ends in depression. Speaking of death, he says, “Darkness is my closest friend” (verse 18, NLT). Wishing for something more encouraging, I read on. Psalm 89 starts out: “I will sing of the Lord’s unfailing love forever!” (verse 1, NLT).

The writer speaks of God’s unfailing love, His faithfulness, His promises, His might, His glory, His justice, His truth, His wonderful reputation, and His righteousness, among other attributes. In verses 38–48, the psalmist looks at the things he doesn’t understand, and in verses 49–51, he expresses his concerns.

He ends in triumph: “Praise the Lord forever! Amen and amen!” (verse 52, NLT). Wow! What a contrast! What was the difference? The first was written by Heman the Ezrahite, the second by Ethan the Ezrahite.

So the two had the same family background.

They each addressed their frustration, but one’s words felt depressing, and the other’s, uplifting. As I read the chapters again, I realized Heman was focused on emotions. In contrast, Ethan brought his feelings to God but focused on God and truth.