The command to “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) has one of its greatest tests when things do not get better (or, when they keep getting worse!).  This psalm is referred to as the saddest one of all because it ends without any apparent answer.  So, it would be good for each of us to remember to read it when we have those long, dark periods in life.  Some say that it is a personal psalm, others that it was offered on behalf of the nation.  It really is not important to make it specific either way, for it is useful either way.  Whenever we have personal situations that are hard and long, or when the church encounters such, this poem has something to offer.
Note as we study that the author does not have his answer yet, but he has no intention to give up.  He is going to keep on approaching God—even if the troubles persist and even if they get worse.

The author reveals himself to us here as a person who believes that he can still call upon God (in spite of his plight); and as one who is humble, persistent, and bold (the word for “cry” “denotes a shrill piercing, cry”; Kirkpatrick).  He knows that Jehovah is the One Who can deliver him, and plans to continue praying.

These highly descriptive phrases show us that the praying one was desperate.  His condition was filled with great difficulties—even his life was in jeopardy.  We can learn about the feelings that he had by reading the words of Job 3 (and others of Job’s statements).  The perils of life, whether physical or spiritual, have the power to produce times of serious depression in our souls.  No one is exempt from the possibility of such times, so all of us should prepare for them, and when they come, we should humbly take our situation before the throne of God (Hebrews 4:14-16).  Even Jesus went to God with a submissive spirit during the crises of His life (Hebrews 5:7-9).

The poet’s comments regarding the unknown factors about death and the grave reflect the limited knowledge that he had under the Law (and we also have only a limited amount of information about the grave).  But the point is not his lack of knowledge; it is that he went to God for help as he faced the unknown!  Through Christ, we are delivered from these fears (Hebrews 2:14-16).

He feels that he is being treated as if he were already dead.  He believes that his affliction (possibly leprosy; Leviticus 13) is from God.  Anyone who has seen the ravages of leprosy can testify to its terribleness.  It is an awful disease, even likened to sin in a figurative way.  It has physical consequences that will lead to the loss of friends, and shunning by society.  Emotionally, those who are suffering can become extremely depressed (as Elijah; 1 Kings 19).  Spiritually, they will be tempted to give up and go back into sin (as the Hebrews; Hebrews 10:26-39).  Practically, there is no better thing to do than that which our poet did: He called on Jehovah daily, and he reached out to Him (v. 9).  Also, note that the suffering had led to serious vision problems.  This was no doubt a physical reference, but suffering can also cloud the spiritual eye (see Job 17:7; Psalm 6:7; 31:9).

Six questions pour forth from the soul of this troubled man.  All are addresses to God!  I must say again that the key to overcoming all suffering is to begin with God—approach Him according to His revealed will.  And this includes the right to pour out our feelings and questions to Him, all the while having the attitude that accepts His answer—NO MATTER WHAT IT IS!  

The questions he asks come out of his difficulties.  They show his despair regarding the possibility of getting help in light of the power of the grave. Beyond this, think about the following thought from brother Ron Greiner, “By way of a series of rhetorical questions, all of which he would answer with an emphatic “NO!,” the psalmist tries to stress to God that there are no benefits for Him (God) in the grave.” (The Book of Psalms-II, p.111).  The despair is deepening, and his hopelessness is increased by the power of the grave.

Maybe as you read this psalm, you anticipate a powerful ray of hope to flood in and complete the picture.  You are waiting in vain.

But those who wait on God, even if an earthly ray of hope never fills the room of gloom, will not wait in vain.  The poem does not offer an earthly answer, but it does teach the lesson that endurance is the best choice.  All of the faithful teach us that “heaven shall surely be worth it all” (see Hebrews 11:1-12:3).

He resolves to continue his praying (v. 13).  He still does not know why he has not been heard (v. 14).  He has suffered greatly for a long time (v. 15).  He has been affected (and apparently strengthened) by God’s wrath (vv. 16,17).  And loneliness has contributed its part to his darkness (v. 18).

So, now it is over, right?  And there are “no answers,” right?  And the atheist, the agnostic, the pagan, are possibly right, right?

 No portion of the Bible is meant to give us the entire picture!  This is only a part of the picture of suffering.  It is a real part of the picture, and it is important to know what this psalm says.  But it is not the whole thing.

Even when there is a period of time when no answer is forthcoming, we can know that God will take care of all things for those who heed His call to faithfulness in the circumstances of their lives.

So, I close this study with an encouragement to you that you keep reading.  The story does not end with Psalm 88.

SICK LIST:  Belle Oliver has a sprained leg.  Electa Wilson is at Gwinnett Extended Care.  Let’s remember those who are ill and their families in our prayers.


PLANTATION SOUTH:  Group 4 is in charge of services today at 1:30.
FOR THE RECORD:  
AM Class             106 
AM Worship        114
PM Worship         110
Wednesday Class   95
Contribution    $4875 
AFRICA:  Ed and Lina Crookshank are in Africa doing mission work.  Let’s keep their safety and effectiveness in our prayers as they fulfill the great commission.

THANKS:  We want to thank all who helped with VBS—education director, teachers, those who brought cookies, those who served and cleaned up, those who invited, those who helped get 24,000 announcements mailed——and those who came to learn!