“WHEN GOD SEEMS FAR AWAY”
(Psalms 88:1-18; 89:1-52)
“O LORD, why do you cast my soul away? Why do you hide your face from me?” – Psalm 88:14
You’ve most likely never heard a sermon preached from Psalm 88. I know I have never preached from it! And, there’s a good reason why – the entire Psalm seems to be one of utter despair and complete defeat! There is no “positive spin” in any verse. In fact, the last word of the Psalm is “darkness!”
So, why is this Psalm a part of our Bible? Is there anything we can learn from it? Well, I can tell you that there are times when I have felt just like the Psalmist felt as he penned this Psalm. Allow me to share four thoughts and principles of prayer we can glean from these seemingly troubling words.
- Faith. (88:1-2) The life of a Christian is one of faith, not one based on your surroundings. We begin our prayer by coming to God by faith, no matter how difficult our situation or circumstances may seem to us at the time. We walk by faith, not by sight!
- Feelings. (88:3-9) You need to be honest with God! Praying to the Lord is not a time for “positive confession” or “name it and claim it.” It’s not a time to deny reality. It’s time to be transparent and truly share your heart with God. God already knows your heart, so don’t try to “white-wash” your prayer with Him. Speak your heart to God!
- Facts. (88:10-14) During this time of prayer, it’s time to “plead your case” before God! Remind Him that He has promised to never leave nor forsake you! “O Lord, I cry to You!”
- Foundation. (88:15-18) Although things may seem like you are caught “like a flood all day long” you can know that you are planted like a tree on the Solid Rock, and you shall stand strong in Him! Even if it seems as though you are living in complete darkness, you can know that you are in His light that always will lead you!
Simple Truth:
No matter how difficult things may seem in your life, never lose heart, never quit, never forsake the Lord, for He will never leave you or forsake you!
Application:
- Are you going through a difficult time? Don’t deny it! Rather, confess it to God today, and wait on Him!
- Know that the enemy of your soul would want to discourage you through your circumstances. Don’t give Satan a foothold in your life! Keep your focus on God and in His Word!
- Remember that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever! Don’t allow yourself to be persuaded otherwise by temporary circumstances. Know that the God who blessed you yesterday is the same God you serve today!
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, as I look around at my circumstances, it is so easy to become discouraged in the flesh. Help me to overcome discouragement and determine to walk by faith today, and each and every day forward. I trust in You, and will wait on You at all times. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
About our Author
Tim Satryan has been in full time ministry since 1980. He has served five churches in four states. He has also served as the District Youth and Music Director for the PennDel Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God, was the Presbyter for the state of Delaware for over a decade, and for a number of years traveled with the AG Church Multiplication Network, teaching church planting and church revitalization.
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