Psalm 88 is often referred to as ‘the psalm of darkness’ because it appears to lack any ray of light. Many other lament psalms end with expressions of celebration as faith rises up to take hold of God and find assurance. Not so in this psalm. Rather, the psalmist finishes with the words, “Darkness is my closest friend” But there is a ray of light in this psalm, and this is why this psalm is recorded in Scripture for us. The ray of light is the faith of the psalmist. Here in the worst life situation the faith of the psalmist rises up to cry to God. Moreover, he appeals to the very heart of God’s purpose: to glorify himself through his creatures. We were created to reflect God’s glory and that is the point which the psalmist argues here: ‘How can I praise you in the world if I die?’ The specific expression of this appeal, however, lifts us up to another perspective. The psalmist says: “Do you show your wonders to the dead? Do those who are dead rise up and praise you?” In the immediate context the answer to the rhetorical question is a resounding ‘no’. But there is a profound second layer to this point. In another sense the answer is a resounding ‘yes’. God is glorified precisely because he does raise the dead! But, of course, the psalmist didn’t see that much yet. However, his faith, though it did not yet conceive of the resurrection of the dead, nevertheless lay hold of the life-giving God. And that is the point of prayer.
How do you need to exercise faith today?
Read Psalm 88
