May 11, 2022 - Psalms 86-89

The various psalmists, with transparent honesty, recount their troubles, recognizing that discipline comes from the Lord: “O Lord, why do you cast my soul away? Why do you hide your face from me? Afflicted and close to death from my youth up, I suffer your terrors; I am helpless” (88:14-15). They cry out, “How long, O Lord? Will you hide yourself forever? How long will your wrath burn like fire?” (89:46). These are the cries and the wrestlings, though, of those who have known God. In their struggles, they do not resort to the worthless schemes of the world. They do not grope around in darkness, lacking knowledge of the cure for their sufferings. They cry out to the Lord!

David prays, “Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you” (86:4,5). The sons of Korah testify, “I, O Lord, cry to you; in the morning my prayer comes before you” (88:13). Ethan the Ezrahite declares, “I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations” (89:1). Looking ahead a bit, David, the sons of Korah, Ethan, and we say, “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2).

I need Thee ev’ry hour,

Most gracious Lord;

No tender voice like Thine

Can peace afford.

I need Thee, oh, I need Thee;

Ev’ry hour I need Thee;

Oh, bless me now, my Savior,

I come to Thee. –Annie Hawks & Robert Lowry (1872)