Finding Hope in the Depths
But I, O Lord, cry to you; in the morning my prayer comes before you. – Psalm 88:13
Psalm 88 is one of the most heart-wrenching passages in the Bible. It’s raw, honest, and unrelenting in its depiction of deep sorrow and feelings of abandonment. Unlike other psalms, it doesn’t end on a hopeful note. Yet, even in the darkness of this psalm, there is a glimmer of faith because the psalmist still cries out to God, even when it feels like no one is listening.
I can relate to this Psalm because I’ve had seasons of life when I felt completely alone, overwhelmed, and without clear direction. One particularly hard season came during a time when I was struggling with anxiety, disappointment and depression. I felt isolated, even though I was surrounded by people who loved me. My prayers felt like they were hitting the ceiling, and I questioned why God seemed so silent when I needed Him most.
What I love about Psalm 88 is its honesty. It shows us that it’s okay to bring our despair to God. The psalmist doesn’t hold back, and that reminds me that I don’t have to either. In those dark times, I learned something profound: even when I couldn’t feel God’s presence, He was still there. The very act of crying out to Him, like the psalmist did, is an act of faith.
Looking back, I can now see how God was working in ways I didn’t recognize at the time. He brought people into my life to encourage me, gave me small moments of peace in the chaos, and after some time, He showed me a way forward and purpose for my existence.
If you’re feeling like you’re in a Psalm 88 season, here are some steps to help you hold on to hope:
Start by crying out to God honestly. Don’t be afraid to bring your raw emotions to God. He already knows your heart, and He welcomes your honesty. Write down your prayers if that helps, pouring out every fear, frustration, and feeling of despair.
Then, anchor yourself in His truth. Even if you can’t see or feel it, remind yourself of God’s promises. He is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). Hold onto these small but powerful truths as your lifeline.
Next, lean on community. Share your struggles with someone you trust. You are not meant to go through this alone. Allow others to pray for you and remind you of God’s love when it’s hard for you to see it.
Take one step at a time. Sometimes, when the darkness feels overwhelming, all you can do is take the next small step. That might mean getting out of bed, making a phone call, or simply taking a walk. Trust that God will give you the strength for the next step when you need it.
Finally, keep praying, even when it feels silent. Just like the psalmist says in verse 13, let your prayers come before God every morning. Even if it feels like nothing is changing, know that your faithfulness to seek Him is never wasted.
Today I want to encourage you to remember that it’s okay to feel lost, to feel like God is far away, and to bring those feelings to Him. The very act of crying out is evidence of your faith. You’re choosing to trust Him, even when the answers aren’t clear. If you’re in a dark season, hold on. God has not forgotten you. Even when you can’t see His hand, He’s working behind the scenes for your good. Take it one day at a time, and trust that His light will break through the darkness. You are deeply loved, even in the depths. Keep holding on to Him, because He is holding on to you.
Today’s Scripture reading: Psalms 88
1 O Lord, God of my salvation, I have cried 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 the grave.
4 I am counted with those who go down to the pit; I am like a man who has no strength,
5 Adrift among the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom You remember no more, and who are cut off from Your hand.
6 You have laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the depths.
7 Your wrath lies heavy upon me, and You have afflicted me with all Your waves. Selah
8 You have put away my acquaintances far from me; You have made me an abomination to them; I am shut up, and I cannot get out;
9 My eye wastes away because of affliction. Lord, I have called daily upon You; I have stretched out my hands to You.
10 Will You work wonders for the dead? Shall the dead arise and praise You? Selah
11 Shall Your lovingkindness be declared in the grave? Or Your faithfulness in the place of destruction?
12 Shall Your wonders be known in the dark? And Your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?
13 But to You I have cried out, O Lord, And in the morning my prayer comes before You.
14 Lord, why do You cast off my soul? Why do You hide Your face from me?
15 I have been afflicted and ready to die from my youth; I suffer Your terrors; I am distraught.
16 Your fierce wrath has gone over me; Your terrors have cut me off.
17 They came around me all day long like water; They engulfed me altogether.
18 Loved one and friend You have put far from me, and my acquaintances into darkness.
The Daily Dose 