Psalm 88 could almost have been written by Job. This is yet another psalm that deals with God’s silence in our suffering. And as in real life, we don’t always see a happy ending.
The psalmist starts by basically crying out, “Hear me O God. Are you there? I’m overwhelmed with my troubles. I’m sick and dying. I have no strength left.” (Psalm 88:1–5)
He then complains that God would let this happen to him.
Again and again, he says, “You did this.” “You did that.”
“You put me down in the pits. You cover me with your wrath. You’ve taken away all those who are close to me and they now reject me.” (6–8)
He then concludes by saying, “I’m calling to you Lord. Why do you hide from me? Why do you reject me? I’ve been suffering all my life. I’ve been left alone, and darkness is my closest friend.” (13–18)
There the psalm ends. There are no words of hope. No words of comfort.
But isn’t that how we feel sometimes? If that’s how you’re feeling, know that you’re not alone. The psalmist felt that way. Most, if not every Christian, have gone through those feelings some time in their lives.
Some have given up and never found their way out of that pit. But don’t be like those who give up.
The thing to remember above all is this: Never base your faith on your feelings. Base it upon God’s character and his Word.
Your feelings waver. They are never stable. And because of that, they are not a trustworthy foundation to build your foundation upon.
Satan knows this, and he will try all he can during the times of God’s silence to bring you to despair. To rob you of your faith.
But while our feelings are constantly changing, God and his Word never do. His promises are words you can stand upon.
So when you’re feeling down, when you’re feeling discouraged, put your faith not in your feelings, but in God and his promises.
If you do, no matter how dark the tunnel you’re going through, you will see the other side.
Moment to Moment (Bible blog) 