The Message of the Psalms

PSALM 88: HOPE IN THE DEPTHS OF DEPRESSION

Nowhere in the Psalter will you find a more depressing
prayer that this. Nowhere are we brought before such a
sustained and spiraling depression (which shows, perhaps
the rarity of such feelings of depression). The Psalmist sees
no signs of reprieve (cf. Ps. 138:7-8), there is no praise for
past blessing (Vs. 15 cf. Ps. 31:21-23; Ps. 44), no thanks for
light in the midst of darkness (e.g. Psalm 119:71; 42:7f),
and no assurance of prayers being heard (Ps. 4:3; 20:6).
Instead, this Psalm shows one who is in the depths of
depression; it starts with the light of God’s salvation and
ends with the darkness of personal experience (Vs. 1 cf. Vs.
18). He has been suffering from youth (Vs. 15), and is
without strength (Vs. 4), “cut adrift” from the mainstream
of society and his friends (“free” Vs. 5 “as good as dead”).
He declares himself to be “distracted” (Vs. 15, i.e. unable to
control is thoughts) and regards life as a living death (Vs.
3f, 15). Such depths of depression gave him the sense that
that which is the usual expression of the wrath of God is
now his experience (Vs. 6-7).

Such is the state of the Psalmist here that the reader

cannot simply be a spectator. Because no help is apparent
the reader is drawn to sympathize with the man in this
condition, rather than try to help or watch as the Lord
proves His strength. For all the suffering that the Psalmist
speaks of there are three aspects underlying this prayer
that show the Psalmist is not in total despair, he holds on to
a fading hope. It is these fundamental elements of hope
that we must look for and hold on to as we are compelled
to enter into prayer with the depressed believer.
1. He has salvation from the Covenant God (Vs. 1,
11), and all the circumstances of life are viewed in
reference to God (notice the pronouns thou and thy
throughout, esp. Vs. 6ff).
2. He continues to pray (Vs. 1, 9) as proof that some
hope remains. Despair is hopelessness, but he
hopes in prayer.
3. He holds on to life for there is no advantage in
death (Vs. 10-12). While the Psalmist shows no

2010, Victoria Free Presbyterian Church

 The Message of the Psalms

evidence of praising God at this time in his life he

still maintains that life is better than death, for
death holds no opportunity to praise God.
Regardless of how hard it is to manifest it in life the
glory of God remains his chief end. The Lord will
hear (I Sam. 2:30).

2010, Victoria Free Presbyterian Church