SCRIPTURE: PSLAM 88
The author of this Psalm is Heman the Ezrahite, a son of Korah.
HEMAN DESCRIBED HIMSELF AS FOLLOWS:
- My soul is full of trouble and my life draws near the grave. (v. 3)
- I am counted among those who go down to the pit; I am like a man without strength. (v. 4)
- I am set apart with the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom you remember no more, who are cut off from your care. (v. 5)
- I am in the lowest pit, in the darkest depts. (v. 6)
- My closest friends have been taken and have made me repulsive to them. I am confined and cannot escape. (v. 8)
- My eyes are dim with grief and I call on you everyday. (v. 9)
- From my youth I have been afflicted and close to death; I have suffered your terrors and am in despair. (v. 15)
- I was swept with your wrath and your terrors have destroyed me. (v. 16)
- My companions and loved were taken from me; the darkness is my closest friend. (v. 18)
PETITION OF HEMAN:
- Turn your ear to my cry. (v. 2)
- I cry to you for help, O Lord. (v. 13)
QUESTIONS OF HEMAN:
- Do you show your wonders to the dead? Do those who are dead rise up and praise you?
- Is your love declared in the grace, your faithfulness in destruction? (v. 11)
- Are your wonders known in the place of darkness, or your righteous deeds in the land of oblivion? (v. 12)
- Why, O Lord do you reject me and hide your face from me? (v. 14)
THOUGHTS:
When Heman wrote this Psalm, he was suffering tremendously without relief. But he kept on praying and trusting God. He did not give up. Instead, he looked by faith to God’s wondrous loving-kindness and faithfulness. He opened up his feelings to God. When you encounter same situation as Heman, remember to trust Him even when you so desperately seemed to be drowning. God knows how you feel and is working out His purposes for you. You have to learn to wait for Him.