Day 109 When Darkness Lingers: A Reflection on Psalm 88

When Darkness Lingers

By Torrie Slaughter

As believers, we often turn to the Psalms to find comfort, praise, and perspective. They give language to our joy, our repentance, our wonder, and our worship. But there’s one psalm that reads more like a midnight cry than a morning hymn—Psalm 88. It stands out not because it ends in triumph, but because it doesn’t. And yet, that’s exactly what makes it such a powerful gift.

💔 The Psalm with No Happy Ending

Psalm 88 opens with a desperate plea:

“O Lord, God of my salvation, I cry out day and night before you.” (Psalm 88:1)

From the first verse, we are swept into the psalmist’s despair. Wave after wave of sorrow crashes over his heart. He speaks of being in the pit, close to death, forgotten by friends, and engulfed in darkness. And unlike other laments in the Psalms, there is no shift to joy, no “but God” moment, no praise at the end. The psalm simply ends... in the dark.

But here’s the deeper truth: the psalmist is still talking to God.

Even in the silence. Even when answers don’t come. Even when it feels like the heavens are shut tight. The psalmist still addresses God as:

“the God of my salvation.” (Psalm 88:1)

That single phrase—quiet, trembling, and almost hidden in the sorrow—is the spark. It tells us something profound:You can be overwhelmed and still believe. You can feel abandoned and still pray.

Why Psalm 88 Matters

Psalm 88 teaches us that God can handle our grief.
It reminds us that unresolved pain does not mean an absence of faith.
And it invites us to bring everything—even the raw, unfiltered parts of our hearts—to the One who already knows it all.

Maybe the psalmist was sick. Maybe he was grieving the loss of someone dear. Maybe his world was falling apart. Whatever the circumstance, his decision to cry out—repeatedly and persistently—teaches us that lament is not weakness. It is worship wrapped in wounds.

Where Do We Go From Here?

✨ Embrace the Power of the Holy Spirit

It’s the Holy Spirit who groans with us when words fail (Romans 8:26). Even in the silence, the Spirit intercedes. God is never distant—even in your Psalm 88 season.

✨ Manifest Spiritual Authority through Faith and Obedience

In the dark, obedience feels harder. But obedience in the valley is where spiritual authority is forged. Submission to God’s will, even when it hurts, reveals a deep and mature faith that shifts atmospheres.

✨ Clothe Yourself with the Whole Armor of God

Even in the emotional trenches, God has given you armor (Ephesians 6:10–18). When the darkness presses in, wear your salvation like a helmet. Raise up the shield of faith. Stand, even if your knees are shaking.

🙏🏽 PRAYER

Lord, in the depths of our despair, we come before You with hearts heavy and burdened. You are the God of our salvation, even when our world feels dark and silent. Teach us to trust You when we can’t trace You. Remind us that You’re near, even when we feel alone. Breathe fresh hope into our weary souls and give us strength to keep seeking Your face. May Your Word be the light in our darkness, and may Your presence be our peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.