Psalm 88

This is a dark, dark psalm. Whoever Heman was, he was having a rough time. At the very beginning of his psalm, he acknowledges that God is the one who saves him (vs 1), but after that, it’s 17 verses of darkness. He even ends with “darkness is my closest friend.” (vs 18)

Does it seem odd to you that sacred Scripture should contain writings filled with utter depression? Does it seem out of place to have a record of this despair that can see no light at the end of the tunnel?

On the contrary, marriage therapists frequently warn couples that, whilst in therapy, their relationship may get worse before it gets better. When two people are (re)committed to intimacy, there may be misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and confusion before true understanding can blossom.

That’s what the psalms are—human beings being real and raw with God. When they’re depressed, they cry out. When they’re angry, they holler. When they’re grieving, they cry. You can find the entire range of human emotion in the psalms—praise, paranoia, doubt, joy, vengefulness, hatred, peace, betrayal, and faith.

And through them all, God’s abiding presence is felt. In some cases (such as this psalm), the author might get to the end without finding the answers to his questions—but he doesn’t stop asking the questions. He doesn’t give up.

And neither does God. If anything, the psalms teach us that God loves us… for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, in joy and despair, in doubt and faith, in love and hatred, in faithfulness and betrayal. He is committed to us now and forever, no matter what.

So, it’s all right if you don’t see light at the end of the tunnel today. God is still with you. He hasn’t gone anywhere, and He’s not going to go anywhere. He is with you always—for all that’s better and all that’s worse.