Passage
Psalm 88:1-18 (ESV)
“now Begin the Work”
1 Chronicles 22:2-19
Key Verse: 22:16b
Lord, You Are the God Who Saves Me
Date: Jun. 1, 2016
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 88:1
First, "day and night I cry out to you" (1-5). Psalms are the raw and sincere expression of the author's faith in their real situation. They help us to express our own inner thoughts, to relate, and find direction. Psalm 88 is unique in having no victorious conclusion. Yet the author, experiencing all these sufferings, has faith: "Lord, you are the God who saves me." His example gives us clear direction: "day and night I cry out to you." In our suffering, even due to our sin, we need not despair and give up hope. Rather, it is time to cry out to the Lord.
Second, "But I cry to you for help, LORD" (6-18). This is a lament for suffering under divine judgment: "Your wrath lies heavily on me"; "Your wrath has swept over me." He is lonely, as his closest friends have been taken. Yet his faith in God does not waver; he cries to God for deliverance. The purpose for deliverance is to praise the Lord, declare his love, and know his wonders and righteous deeds (10-12). Faith is expressed here, even under God's wrath.
Prayer: Father, you are sovereign over all. Help me seek you and see your hand in times of suffering.
One Word: You are the God who saves me
