There are times in some people’s lives when the darkness from various trials seems to enfold them. For many of them this dark time is only temporary, lasting only a few weeks, perhaps a couple of months, but for some this darkness goes on for years and years without any end or relief to the trial they are going through. They desperately look for some light at the end of the tunnel, but they cannot make out even a pinprick of light. They cry out to God for some relief, but all they hear is a deafening silence. Today’s psalm records the prayers and cries of someone going through just such a time in their life, a time when there seems to be no light, no relief. Sometimes when we are going through a very difficult time, whether of illness, financial crisis, family difficulties, or whatever else, we don’t feel like listening to the “happily ever after” stories that others may tell us. We feel that they do not understand the depth of crisis or difficulty we are in. In our Scripture passage today we see someone who is in the midst of some terrible crisis, and feels no hope.
Psalm 88 was written by a man named Heman the Ezrahite, who was one of the “Sons of Korah. The Sons of Korah were descendants of Levi through his son, Kohath, serving as gatekeepers and musicians in the Temple. We don’t know much else about Heman, nor do we know exactly what terrible trial he was going through to write such a dismal and hopeless psalm. I believe that the Lord deliberately left that information out so that no matter what type of trial we are going through, we can relate to Heman’s despair.
As we read through the verses of Psalm 88 we quickly see just how much despair Heman was in. Unlike other psalms where the author was in some type of crisis, this psalm does not give an answer or expression of hope. Many of David’s psalms speak of him being in some sort of trouble, such as fleeing for his life, but he ends with telling how God comes to his rescue. We don’t see that here. Heman is in the middle of his desperate crisis, and he sees no light, no hope. Whatever has brought him to this point, it is severe, as he feels like he is one step away from death (vs. 3-5, 10-11). All of his friends have forsaken him, and he is all alone (vs. 8). Being alone and without friends makes a crisis even worse. Heman’s troubles keep coming and coming upon him like the neverending waves of an ocean (vs. 7), and he has cried so much that his eyes ache and feel wasted away (vs. 9).
Since we do not know the reason behind Heman’s problems, it would be wrong to assume that they came upon him as judgment for some sin. There are some today who believe that any problem that comes upon a believer is due to sin in their life, and that a problem-free life filled with wealth is a sign of God’s blessings. That is not the case, and we have no evidence to say that Heman’s problems were due to any sin. Being a believer in Jesus does not guarantee a problem-free life. The Apostle Paul certainly knew that. He and Barnabas preached that we will have troubles and tribulations in life (Acts 14:22).
Though this psalm certainly looks dismal and discouraging, with no real answer or response from God, I do see a tiny glimmer of hope. Despite the terrible trials Heman was going through, it is hopeful that he knew where to turn to, and that he was praying and crying to God. Heman had not given up on God, but turned to Him. He may not understand God’s ways, but he does turn to Him, indicating an underlying trust. In verse 1 Heman calls the Lord, the “God of my salvation”, indicating that he does have a saving relationship with Yahweh.
One unfortunate thing for some who go through really severe trials, and dark days that stretch into months and years, is that they turn away from God, shaking their fist at Him in anger. Heman is hurting, he’s probably angry, too, but he does not turn away from God. Instead, he turns to Him, crying out for God to please help him. Though the psalm ends without any real answers or indications as to how Heman faired in the end, we do know from Scripture that God has promised He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), even in the middle of the darkest time of our lives.
No comments:
Post a Comment