Psalm 88 - "Loneliness"

- "Loneliness"

What could be worse than being alone in total darkness? A Syrian soldier imprisoned in an ISIS prison in the dark in solitary confinement said he would beat on the doors just to be taken out of outer darkness knowing that he would be physically abused. This Psalm is a lament in the mouth of Jesus when He was in a pit in Caiaphas’ house (see )

I. A Lament -

A. Lament is different than a complaint

1. Lament is a prayer to the God who is there even when He is silent—

2. Complaining acts as if God isn’t there to hear or just doesn’t care about us -

3. A lament expresses grief toward God

B. Grief - Jesus was a man of grief and sorrows -

1. God Himself put Him to grief -

2. Jesus bore our sin to satisfy God’s justice -

C. Jesus’ grief -

1. My life draws near to the grave -

2. I have no strength -

3. Adrift among the dead - - and forgotten by God

4. Laid in the lowest pit -

5. God’s wrath upon Him -

6. All acquaintances left him alone -

7. Silence of God -

II. Persevering Prayer -

A. Doubt expressed toward God

1. Question: “Shall the dead arise and praise you?

2. “Shall Your love be declared from the grave?”

3. “Shall Your wonders be known in the dark?”

B. Jesus learned obedience from God’s silence

1. The Father answered His prayers “no” by refusing to take away His affliction -

2. Jesus worshipped by accepting “no” as an answer -

III. An Offering -

A. No one takes Jesus’ life from Him

1. He accepts the cup of suffering from His father - , ,

2. True faith accepts pain and suffering from the Father’s hand -

B. Jesus wrestles with God by faith -

1. He continues to pray!

2. He continues to question -

3. Jesus entire life from his birth was suffering!

The terror of total loneliness in total darkness - this hell! His being forsaken by God is worse than the scourging and physical torment! Jesus endured the hell of being forsaken by God so that you wild not have to endure hell but always live in His presence!!

While it is a day of salvation and grace, do not push the Savior out of your life!!! Bow before Him no matter the circumstance.