The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982, S. Ps 88:9-12
Observation & Application:
I find this passage intriguing considering the darkness of the situation and yet the verses as listed above in the midst of the story. The notes in my NIV Study Bible say 'A cry out of the depths, the prayer of one on the edge of death, whose life has been lived, as it were,in the near vicinity of the grave. So troubled have been his years that he seems to have only known the back of God's hand, and even those nearest to him have withdrawn themselves as from one who has an infectios disease. No expressions of hopefull expectation burst from his lips (although most other psalms do), and yet the psalm begins 'O Lord, the God who saves me'
Is there no hope? Even though the situation seems hopeless - this fellow pronounces - O God - You can save me. Will God save him from this situation - did God save him from this condition - we can not know.
However, verses 9 - 12 hold the key to really understanding how great God is and how Great this fellow knew God was! He simply asks whether God can be glorified in the darkness, in death, in agony? He doesn't imply that God can not be made famous in this condition, he knows not to be presumptuous, but asks the question?
His desire therefore comes out of a desire to honour God despite his circumstances and despite his condition. And this serves as a huge challenge for any of us going through tough times, are we praying for releif, or are we praying that God's will be done? God's will? What is that, is that just a throw away comment that says in the end, I knew it wouldn't happen, or would? Is it a negative stance, or is it a stance of faith?
God's will is that He will be honoured and glorified in our lives. His will is that we will draw close to Him and be obedient to Him despite the external situations and darkness of our times. His will is that we will know Him better! That is where hope is found and therefore we can boldly say in the darkest of times 'O Lord, God of my salvation'.
Prayer:
Jesus, You showed us how to live. You showed us how you responded to the very circumstances we face today by the life that You lived. Help us to look to You, give us strength that rises above our own world view and sees the greater heavenly picture, even if it is only a glimpse. May You be honoured, glorified and worshiped because of how we respond to every situation in Life, and may our attention be quickened back to You as we go through the seasons of life before us. But we need Your wisdom, we need You Holy SPirit, to lead and guide us, to give us strength, and to illuminate the path before us. That in the end, our lives will make you well pleased. IN Jesus Name - Amen
