How can I stand when I am being played by the tempter of my soul?
I am overwhelmed with troubles and my life draws near to death. (Psalm 88:3)
Issues takes hold, I am overwhelmed as if waves sweep over me so I cannot stand. Whenever I pray, my mind goes to this capturer of my heart. God is side-lined; all is darkness.
You have put me in the lowest pit, in the darkest depths. (v6)
The Lord initiated this process. He saw my weaknesses and wished to teach new pathways to Himself that could only be learned through this darkness.
I call to you, Lord, every day; I spread out my hands to you.
Do you show your wonders to the dead? Do their spirits … praise you? (v9&10)
He who began this is also the way out. I call to Him in prayer even though my mind is so overwhelmed I am unable to experience God’s wonders or praise Him.
You have taken from me friend and neighbour – darkness is my closest friend. (v18)
A frustrating aspect of this darkness is that my friends don’t understand, but try to set me straight. The only companion I have left is darkness.
Amazingly the Psalm begins with hope.
Lord, you are the God who saves me; day and night I cry out to you. (v1)
The one hope is the Lord Himself. He has proven Himself over time as the God who saves. I have faith He will save again because He is faithful.
A fuller study of Psalm 88 can be found in Overwhelmed by thoughts