Wow. In my opinion, the 88th Psalm may be the darkest one I've read. It's pretty rough. Those looking for hope in the Psalms are advised to look elsewhere. The sons of Korah paint a pretty bleak picture here for what it's like to be on God's bad side, or to be ignored or abandoned by him. Or really, even having to endure God's silence. Though in one's mind, it may be understood that God is still God and hasn't forsaken, the whole experience isn't a pleasant one. It doesn't necessarily light those touchy-feely God candles.
This Psalm reeks of loneliness, abandonment and despair. Is God refusing to hear? How long is he going to go on doing that?
Wrath and terror engulf him like a flood? Loneliness surrounds him? His friends and companions have been replaced with darkness? Yikes. So the Bible isn't all encouraging words all the time. But I would suppose there is a bigger point coming. This is a writer pouring his feelings out. He's not trying to hide his true feelings. Questions are there...why ignore them for the sake of tradition and religion?
The truth is, there is quite a bit of desparation in the Psalms, mostly from David. But there is just as much beauty in the worshipful words of God. David has good words, but I think Asaph is a bit more gifted in the wordsmithing department.
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