December 12
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PSALM 88 I CALL UPON THE LORD IN THE DAY OF TROUBLE
O LORD, God of my salvation, I cry out day and night before you.
2 Let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my cry!
3 For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol.
4 I am counted among those who go down to the pit; I am a man who has no strength,
5 like one set loose among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave,
like those whom you remember no more, for they are cut off from your hand.
6 You have put me in the depths of the pit, in the regions dark and deep.
7 Your wrath lies heavy upon me, and you overwhelm me with all your waves. Selah
8 You have caused my companions to shun me; you have made me a horror to them.
I am shut in so that I cannot escape; 9 my eye grows dim through sorrow.
Every day I call upon you, O LORD; I spread out my hands to you. – Psalm 88:1-9
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A poem inspired by this psalm by ILMA
O Lord, you are my salvation and my protection
Hear my prayer as I get swamped by trials and tribulation
I cry out to you in the midst of all these painful events
It seems like everyone has turned their backs on me
Help me O God of my salvation; without you, I am stuck
I am overwhelmed with anxiety from the devil’s attacks.
Have you forgotten your servant who calls upon you day and night?
Why do I feel so alone and depressed even though I know you are everywhere?
Comfort me O Lord, I cannot go on without your steadfast love
Do not forget the poor and the needy, I know that your grace abounds
Flood me with your compassion so that all these feelings will leave me
Do not forsake your beloved faithful; I need your assurance and mercy.
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REFLECTION
• The psalmist sounded hopeless in this psalm, why do you think it is important to come to the throne of God especially in times of great trouble and anxiety?
• What can we learn from the psalmist about anxiety and depression in this psalm?
• Do you think it is alright for Christians to experience these negative feelings? Why or why not?