Psalms 88 · Grade 5

Faith in the Darkness

Name Date

Read and Think

Psalm 88 has one of the longest titles in the Psalter: a Song, a Psalm by the sons of Korah, for the Chief Musician, to the tune of The Suffering of Affliction, a contemplation by Heman, the Ezrahite. Nearly every lament turns toward hope by its end, but Psalm 88 closes with the words, my friends into darkness.

Heman describes affliction that has lasted from his youth. He feels counted among those who go down into the pit, like a man who has no help. He feels God's wrath like waves over him. His friends have been taken away. He presses God with questions about death: Is your loving kindness declared in the grave? Are your wonders made known in the dark?

The psalm is addressed to God. The first words are, Yahweh, the God of my salvation. Heman's complaint is made to God, not about God behind his back. I have called on you daily, Yahweh. In the morning, my prayer comes before you.

Show What You Know

How does Psalm 88 close?
What questions does Heman press on God?
To whom is the psalm addressed?
What are the last words of the psalm?

Crossword

Across

The God of my ____.
Turn your ear to my ____.

Down

Let my ____ enter into your presence.
Turn your ____ to my cry.
I have cried day and ____ before you.

Think About It

What is the difference between complaining to God and complaining about God?
Some readers say this psalm shows that faith can mean continuing to pray when there is no answer yet. How could this psalm help someone who is going through a long, hard time?

Memory Verse

“But to you, Yahweh, I have cried. In the morning, my prayer comes before you.”

Psalms 88:13 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for hearing me even in the dark. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

How can you bring your complaints to God instead of turning away from Him?
How can you help someone who is very sad?
What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?