November 17 -- "Crying Out To God"

 Today’s Reading: Psalm 88

"Crying Out To God"

Psalm 88 was written by “Heman the Ezrahite.” Heman was a musician. He was a Levite chosen by King David to be a minister of music. He served as both a singer and instrument player, known as a trumpeter and cymbal player. Heman served in Israel’s temple worship. He was one of those who were chosen and expressly named to give thanks to the Lord, whose steadfast love endures forever. His main ministry consisted of crying out to God in prayer.

Psalm 88 is part of a family of Psalms known as the “Laments.” In a Lament, the Psalmist brings his complaints and problems to God. The Laments include Psalms 3, 22, 42, 43, 44, 69, 80, 109, and here with Psalm 88.

The key to understanding these types of Psalms is to recognize that God allows us to express our emotions – even when those emotions question His faithfulness. He longs for us to cry out to Him when our hearts are hurting or when our minds are questioning life and its complications.  Psalms of Lament remind us that God is big enough to deal with our complaints and questions.

As Christians, we can experience problems, complaints and hurting hearts. We can even feel that God has let us down. Or maybe we’re worried about the future. We can feel lonely and afraid. It is these moments of life that we must do as Heman did – cry out to the Lord and let our prayer come before Him. And we must do so with all honesty and vulnerability. If our hearts are hurting, we should tell Him so. We mustn’t do the “Christian” thing and simply say, “We praise You God for being so wonderful. You have provided all our needs. I am so thankful that You are in control” when that’s not what we are really feeling.

It is okay to say to the Lord, “You have put me in the lowest pit, in the darkest depths.” It is okay to question what is going on, “Why, O Lord, does it seem like You reject me and hide Your face from me?” God is not afraid of your honest questions. He will not shut you out if you come to Him and honestly cry out to Him in life’s moments you can’t understand. He would much rather hear your honest and sincere cries than your fabricated praises.

So, like Heman, you must express your lament by crying out to the Lord. Take time right now to make sure your prayer comes before Him – even if it is a problem or complaint. Pray in the morning. Pray in the daytime. Pray in the nighttime. But, whatever you do, be sure take your case before your Heavenly Father. Lay your burden on Him. He can carry it! His word to you is, “Bring it on!”