Friday, March 28, 2008
Psalm 88

This psalm is another one written using lots of metaphors. The psalmist seems to be in deep trouble again. In the first two verses, he cries out to the Lord to save Him. He pleads with God to "turn [His] ear" to his cry. Thereafter, up till verse 9, he describes his situation, comparing his life with those of others about to die. Even his close friends view him as "repulsive".

Up to this point, there is no distinct feature which makes this psalm special as compared to the other psalms. However, it becomes more interesting from verse 10 - 12. The psalmist questions if God is glorified by people in circumstances similar to his, whether his love and faithfulness are declared in death and whether His marvelous deeds show up in darkness. By listing all these rhetorical questions, he indirectly gives God reasons as to why He should rescue him - so that He will be glorified, His love and faithfulness will shine through and His acts made known.

However, I think that God helps us and rescues us in times of trouble not for all these, but for his unending love for us. He died on the cross for us and redeemed us. God is crazy about you - not about being glorified. Therefore, we must honour Him by keeping Him first and seeking Him first - this is the most important.

God bless you,
:) John