Psalms 80-83, 88
Following The Chronological Study Bible, we won’t read the Book of Job until August and September, so here is a very quick plot summary: a man named Job suffers — a lot. One might well read Psalm 88 from Job’s perspective, crying out to God in the midst of anguish while feeling totally abandoned. We each might also be able to relate at some level in whatever level of suffering we might go through from time to time, especially when such suffering is prolonged. Though Psalm 88 does not offer any explicit “solutions” to that suffering, it still expresses what we all need to express during such times.
Having just come through Holy Week, it strikes me that we could read Psalm 88 from another perspective as well: that of Jesus during His Passion. Try reading Psalm 88 one more time as though Jesus were the One praying this prayer. Meditate on that, and let the Holy Spirit speak to your heart.
In the days of His flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to Him who was able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence. Although He was a Son, He learned obedience through what He suffered.
Hebrews 5:7-8
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