Psalm 88: Darkness Is My Closest Friend – A Coptic Orthodox Commentary

Executive Summary ✨

Psalm 88, a profound lament, plunges into the depths of despair and the seeming abandonment by God. It explores the agonizing experience of unrelenting suffering, illness, and isolation. Unlike many other psalms, Psalm 88 offers no resolution, no confident assertion of God’s deliverance. Instead, it wallows in the darkness, questioning God’s apparent indifference to the psalmist’s plight. This unflinching honesty resonates deeply with those experiencing profound hardship, offering a space for acknowledging pain and expressing doubt without fear of judgment. The Psalm compels us to consider the mystery of suffering, the limits of human understanding, and the paradoxical presence of God even in the darkest night. It’s a powerful reminder that faith isn’t always about easy answers, but about wrestling with God through our deepest sorrows, and a profound exploration of what it means when darkness is our closest friend, urging us to seek God even, and especially, in our most profound despair and to see the light of Christ’s own suffering within our own pain.

Psalm 88 presents a stark portrait of human suffering, unmatched in its raw honesty and unrelenting despair. Unlike most psalms that ultimately offer a glimmer of hope or a declaration of faith, this psalm concludes with the psalmist still immersed in darkness, his cries seemingly unanswered. This commentary will delve into the depths of this challenging psalm, exploring its historical context, its theological implications, and its relevance to our lives today, through a Coptic Orthodox lens, focusing on how to navigate the feeling that “Darkness Is My Closest Friend”.

Commentary Sections 📖

Verse 1 (KJV): O Lord God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee:

Verse 1 (NKJV): O Lord God of my salvation, I have cried out day and night before You;

The psalm opens with a direct address to “O Lord God of my salvation,” immediately establishing a relationship, albeit a strained one, with God. The phrase “God of my salvation” (Hebrew: *Elohei yeshuati*) suggests a past experience of deliverance, which makes the current suffering even more perplexing. The persistent crying “day and night” underscores the intensity and duration of the psalmist’s suffering.

Spiritual Application: Even when overwhelmed by pain, remember past experiences of God’s grace. Hold onto that thread of hope and continue to cry out to Him. As St. Isaac the Syrian says, “If thou lovest truth, be a lover of silence, and let thy silence appear, like the darkness that falls on the eyes when they are shut.” We must learn to speak to God in our silence as well as in our cries. Consider using tools such as website builder to create a digital spiritual journal to help you keep a record of your darkest moments and how God shines through.

Verse 2 (KJV): Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry;

Verse 2 (NKJV): Let my prayer come before You; Incline Your ear to my cry.

The psalmist implores God to “let my prayer come before thee” and to “incline thine ear unto my cry.” This expresses a desire for God’s attention and a plea for Him to hear and respond. The word “incline” (Hebrew: *hattah*) suggests a deliberate act of bending down to listen, emphasizing the psalmist’s sense of urgency and need. This is an acknowledgement of the need for a personal relationship with God, even in suffering.

Spiritual Application: Persistently bring your prayers before God, even when you feel unheard. Believe that He is listening and that He cares, even if His response is not what you expect. As Abba Poemen taught, “Tell me about your thoughts, and I will tell you about your works.” Openness and vulnerability in prayer are essential.

Verse 3 (KJV): For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave.

Verse 3 (NKJV): For my soul is full of troubles, And my life draws near to the grave.

Here, the psalmist describes the overwhelming nature of his troubles, stating that his “soul is full of troubles.” The phrase “my life draweth nigh unto the grave” (Hebrew: *hayyai lish’ol higgi’u*) conveys a sense of impending death or near-death experience. This is not merely physical illness; it’s a profound sense of spiritual and emotional depletion. We see this in many Coptic hymns that express the body and soul’s connection during suffering.

Spiritual Application: Acknowledge the fullness of your suffering. Don’t minimize your pain. Recognize when you need help and seek support from trusted friends, family, or spiritual advisors. St. Athanasius reminds us, “The Word became flesh that we might become god.” Even in suffering, we can find a path towards divine likeness.

Verse 4 (KJV): I am counted with them that go down into the pit: I am as a man that hath no strength:

Verse 4 (NKJV): I am counted with those who go down to the pit; I am like a man who has no strength,

The psalmist feels “counted with them that go down into the pit” – a metaphorical representation of death and oblivion. He sees himself as “a man that hath no strength,” devoid of physical, emotional, and spiritual vitality. This evokes the image of being utterly helpless and abandoned. The Pit, *Sh’eol*, represents a separation from life and from God.

Spiritual Application: In moments of extreme weakness, remember that God’s strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Surrender your will to His and allow Him to carry you. St. Anthony the Great advises: “A time is coming when men will go mad, and when they see someone who is not mad, they will attack him, saying, ‘You are mad; you are not like us.’” Hold onto your faith, even when others cannot understand.

Verse 5 (KJV): Free among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, whom thou rememberest no more: and they are cut off from thy hand.

Verse 5 (NKJV): Adrift among the dead, Like the slain who lie in the grave, Whom You remember no more, And who are cut off from Your hand.

This verse intensifies the psalmist’s despair. He feels “free among the dead,” which ironically means abandoned and forgotten. He is “like the slain that lie in the grave, whom thou rememberest no more.” This is the core of his agony: the perception of being forgotten by God, “cut off from thy hand.” The imagery evokes the concept of eternal separation from God, a terrifying prospect. 🕊️

Spiritual Application: Even when you feel forgotten by God, remember that He has promised never to leave nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). Trust in His unfailing love and continue to seek His presence. St. Cyril of Alexandria writes, “For we are all in Christ’s body, and his life is our life.” We are never truly alone when united to Christ.

Verse 6 (KJV): Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps.

Verse 6 (NKJV): You have laid me in the lowest pit, In darkness, in the depths.

The psalmist attributes his suffering directly to God: “Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps.” This verse underscores the apparent paradox of God, who is supposed to be a source of salvation, actively causing the psalmist’s distress. The “lowest pit,” “darkness,” and “the deeps” are symbolic of the depths of despair and separation from God. The geographical context may relate to caves, or even cisterns used as prisons common in the region. 🌑

Spiritual Application: When you feel as though God is the source of your suffering, remember the story of Job. Trust that He has a purpose, even if it is beyond your understanding. Learn to wrestle with God in prayer and express your doubts and questions honestly. As St. Macarius of Egypt says, “If you remember your brother’s fault, then you have not yet found the door of love.” Extend forgiveness and understanding, even to God in your moments of doubt.

Verse 7 (KJV): Thy wrath lieth hard upon me, and thou hast afflicted me with all thy waves. Selah.

Verse 7 (NKJV): Your wrath lies heavy upon me, And You have afflicted me with all Your waves. Selah

The psalmist experiences God’s “wrath” as a heavy burden and feels “afflicted” by all His “waves.” The image of waves evokes the feeling of being overwhelmed and battered by relentless suffering. “Selah,” a common marker in the Psalms, denotes a pause for reflection, urging the reader to contemplate the weight of these words.🌊

Spiritual Application: Recognize that suffering can be a consequence of sin, but it is not always a direct punishment from God. Repent of your sins and seek His mercy. Remember that God’s love endures forever (Psalm 136). As the Coptic liturgy states, “O God, forgive us our sins, our iniquities, our trespasses, which we have committed willingly or unwillingly, knowingly or unknowingly, secretly or openly…”

Verse 8 (KJV): Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.

Verse 8 (NKJV): You have put away my acquaintances far from me; You have made me an abomination to them; I am shut up, and I cannot get out.

The psalmist experiences social isolation and rejection: “Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them.” This speaks to the devastating impact of suffering on relationships. He feels “shut up” and unable to escape his circumstances. This is social and spiritual death.

Spiritual Application: During times of isolation, remember that you are not alone. Christ experienced abandonment on the cross (Matthew 27:46). Seek fellowship with other believers and draw strength from the Body of Christ. St. Basil the Great teaches, “A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love.” Cultivate relationships and maintain connections, even when it is difficult.

Verse 9 (KJV): Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction: Lord, I have called daily upon thee, I have stretched out my hands unto thee.

Verse 9 (NKJV): My eye wastes away because of affliction; Lord, I have called daily upon You; I have stretched out My hands to You.

The psalmist’s physical and emotional state is deteriorating. His “eye mourneth by reason of affliction.” Despite his suffering, he continues to call upon God “daily” and stretch out his hands in supplication. This speaks to the persistence of his faith, even amidst overwhelming despair. ✨

Spiritual Application: Don’t give up on prayer, even when you see no immediate results. Continue to call upon God daily and to seek His presence. Remember the parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8). As St. John Chrysostom proclaims, “Prayer is a powerful armor; it is a wall that protects our homes, a treasure that enriches our souls.” Never cease to pray.

Verse 10 (KJV): Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead? shall the dead arise and praise thee? Selah.

Verse 10 (NKJV): Will You work wonders for the dead? Will the dead arise and praise You? Selah

Here, the psalmist questions the purpose of God’s power if he is allowed to die. “Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead? shall the dead arise and praise thee?” He implies that God’s glory is manifested through the living, not the dead. This is a bold challenge to God’s sovereignty. The “Selah” here acts as a strong pause, begging for divine reflection.

Spiritual Application: It is acceptable to question God in your suffering, but do so with reverence and humility. Remember that His ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). Trust that He has a purpose, even if you cannot see it. As St. Gregory of Nyssa wrote, “Concepts create idols; only wonder comprehends anything.” Maintain a sense of wonder and openness to God’s mysteries.

Verse 11 (KJV): Shall thy lovingkindness be declared in the grave? or thy faithfulness in destruction?

Verse 11 (NKJV): Shall Your lovingkindness be declared in the grave? Or Your faithfulness in destruction?

The psalmist continues his interrogation of God, asking whether God’s “lovingkindness” and “faithfulness” can be proclaimed in the grave and in “destruction.” He suggests that these attributes are meaningless if he is allowed to perish. It’s a cry against the silence of God in the face of seeming oblivion.

Spiritual Application: Focus on declaring God’s lovingkindness and faithfulness even in the midst of your suffering. Testify to His goodness, even when it is difficult. Let your life be a living testimony to His grace. As the Didache instructs, “Remember day and night; and honor them as you would the Lord; for in the place where their masterhood is exercised, there is the Lord.” Carry God’s grace with you at all times.

Verse 12 (KJV): Shall thy wonders be known in the dark? and thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?

Verse 12 (NKJV): Shall Your wonders be known in the dark? And Your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?

The psalmist questions whether God’s “wonders” can be known in the “dark” and His “righteousness” in the “land of forgetfulness.” This reiterates his concern that God’s glory is obscured by his suffering and impending death. This verse calls into question the very nature of God’s involvement in human suffering.

Spiritual Application: Trust that God’s light shines even in the darkest of circumstances. Believe that His righteousness will prevail, even when it seems hidden. Seek His guidance and allow His light to illuminate your path. As St. Irenaeus writes, “The glory of God is man fully alive; and the life of man is the vision of God.” Allow yourself to be illuminated by God.

Verse 13 (KJV): But unto thee have I cried, O Lord; and in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee.

Verse 13 (NKJV): But to You I have cried out, O Lord, And in the morning my prayer comes before You.

Despite his doubts and questions, the psalmist reaffirms his commitment to prayer: “But unto thee have I cried, O Lord.” He continues to pray “in the morning,” suggesting a daily practice of seeking God. His “prayer comes before thee” implies a sense of urgency and persistence. He keeps turning back to God in the midst of questioning Him.

Spiritual Application: Maintain a consistent prayer life, even when you feel discouraged. Make prayer a priority and seek God’s presence every day. Remember that He is always there, waiting to hear from you. As the Orthodox Church constantly reminds us through the Jesus Prayer, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” Pray without ceasing.

Verse 14 (KJV): Lord, why castest thou off my soul? why hidest thou thy face from me?

Verse 14 (NKJV): Lord, why do You cast off my soul? Why do You hide Your face from me?

The psalmist expresses his deepest anguish: “Lord, why castest thou off my soul? why hidest thou thy face from me?” He feels abandoned and rejected by God, as if God has turned away from him. This is the ultimate source of his suffering – the perceived absence of God. 🔥

Spiritual Application: When you feel abandoned by God, remember that He is still present, even if you cannot sense His presence. Trust in His love, even when it is difficult to do so. Remember Christ’s cry on the cross: “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). As Abba Moses says, “Unless a man renounces all the things which are in the world, he cannot find rest in himself.”

Verse 15 (KJV): I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up: while I suffer thy terrors I am distracted.

Verse 15 (NKJV): I have been afflicted and ready to die from my youth; I suffer Your terrors; I am distraught.

The psalmist states that his suffering has been a lifelong burden: “I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up.” He feels “distracted” by God’s “terrors,” suggesting that his suffering is not only physical but also spiritual and psychological. His early suffering colors his perception of God’s power.

Spiritual Application: Recognize that suffering can have a profound impact on your emotional and mental well-being. Seek professional help if needed. Remember that God cares about your whole person – body, soul, and spirit. As St. Ignatius of Antioch wrote, “Permit me to be an imitator of the passion of my God.” Seek healing and wholeness in Christ.

Verse 16 (KJV): Thy fierce wrath goeth over me; thy terrors have cut me off.

Verse 16 (NKJV): Your fierce wrath has gone over me; Your terrors have cut me off.

The psalmist reiterates the intensity of God’s wrath and terrors: “Thy fierce wrath goeth over me; thy terrors have cut me off.” He feels completely overwhelmed and destroyed by God’s anger. This is a powerful expression of despair and a sense of being consumed by divine judgment.

Spiritual Application: Remember that God’s wrath is always tempered by His mercy. Trust in His love and seek His forgiveness. Recognize that He desires your salvation, not your destruction. As St. Seraphim of Sarov taught, “Acquire the Spirit of Peace, and thousands around you will be saved.” Seek inner peace and share it with others.

Verse 17 (KJV): They came round about me daily like water; they compassed me about together.

Verse 17 (NKJV): They came around me like water all day long; They engulfed me altogether.

The psalmist’s troubles are described as relentless and overwhelming, like water constantly surrounding and engulfing him. They came round about me daily like water; they compassed me about together. This vividly depicts the feeling of being trapped and suffocated by suffering. 🌊

Spiritual Application: When you feel overwhelmed by your troubles, remember that God is your refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1). Trust in His protection and seek His guidance. Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). As the Desert Fathers taught, “Sit in your cell, and your cell will teach you everything.” Find solace in prayer and contemplation.

Verse 18 (KJV): Lover and friend hast thou put far from me, and mine acquaintance into darkness.

Verse 18 (NKJV): Lover and friend You have put far from me, And my acquaintances into darkness.

The psalm concludes with a final statement of isolation and despair: “Lover and friend hast thou put far from me, and mine acquaintance into darkness.” The psalmist is utterly alone, abandoned by both God and his fellow human beings. His acquaintances are also in darkness. The psalm ends with no resolution, no hope, only the stark reality of suffering. 🔥

Spiritual Application: Even in the darkest of times, remember that God is with you, even if you cannot feel His presence. Trust in His love and continue to seek Him, even when you feel abandoned. Remember that Christ entered into our darkness and offers us the hope of resurrection. Strive to be a source of light and comfort to others who are suffering. Even at the end, the psalmist addresses God – acknowledging that even in abandonment, he is still in relationship with God. This is powerful. Consider how tools such as the link in bio feature can help share your story and find community even when you feel isolated.

Subtopic: The Paradox of Suffering in Coptic Theology ☦️

Suffering is a central theme in the Christian faith, but it presents a unique challenge. It’s not simply endured, but often embraced as a path towards spiritual growth. This tension requires careful theological navigation.

Theosis and Suffering: In Coptic Orthodox theology, theosis, or deification, is the ultimate goal of the Christian life. Suffering, paradoxically, can be a means to achieve this, as it purifies the soul and draws us closer to Christ’s own suffering.
Christ’s Suffering as a Model: Christ’s passion is not just a historical event but a model for our own lives. By participating in His suffering, we share in His resurrection. This isn’t masochism but a profound spiritual truth.
Discernment is Key: Not all suffering is redemptive. We must discern between suffering that leads to spiritual growth and suffering that is destructive. Wisdom and guidance from spiritual elders are essential.
The Role of Free Will: Much of our suffering is a consequence of our own choices or the choices of others. While God allows suffering, He doesn’t necessarily cause it. He works through it, redeeming it for His purposes.
Finding Meaning in Suffering: Ultimately, we must find meaning in our suffering by offering it up to God and allowing Him to transform it into something beautiful. This requires faith, hope, and a willingness to trust in His divine plan.
Suffering and Joy: The Coptic tradition understands suffering and joy not as opposites, but as two sides of the same coin. Deep joy often emerges from profound suffering, and vice versa.

FAQ ❓

Q: Why does God allow suffering, especially the suffering of the righteous?
A: This is a profound mystery. Coptic theology emphasizes that suffering can be a refining fire, purifying the soul and drawing us closer to God. It also acknowledges that suffering can be a consequence of sin or the brokenness of the world. God uses suffering to achieve His ultimate purposes, which may not be immediately apparent to us.
Q: Is it wrong to question God when we are suffering?
A: No, it is not wrong to question God. The Psalms themselves are filled with questions and laments. God desires honesty and vulnerability in our relationship with Him. However, our questions should be rooted in a desire to understand His will, not in rebellion or bitterness.
Q: How can we find hope in the midst of despair, as expressed in Psalm 88?
A: Hope in the midst of despair is found in the unwavering love of God, even when it feels hidden. Remember that Christ experienced abandonment on the cross and that He understands our pain. Cling to the promises of Scripture and seek fellowship with other believers. Know that even in the darkest night, God’s light will eventually break through.
Q: What is the Coptic Orthodox perspective on mental health and seeking professional help?
A: The Coptic Orthodox Church recognizes the importance of mental health and encourages seeking professional help when needed. Mental illness is not a sign of spiritual weakness, but a genuine health condition that requires treatment. Spiritual guidance and medical care can work together to promote healing and wholeness.

Conclusion ✨

Psalm 88, a stark reminder that “Darkness Is My Closest Friend,” challenges us to confront the uncomfortable reality of suffering and the seeming silence of God. It is a psalm of profound honesty, acknowledging the depths of despair without offering easy answers. From a Coptic Orthodox perspective, this psalm invites us to embrace the mystery of suffering, to wrestle with God in prayer, and to find meaning even in the darkest of times. It reminds us that faith is not about the absence of doubt, but about the persistence of seeking God, even when we feel abandoned. By clinging to the hope of Christ’s resurrection and seeking fellowship with the Body of Christ, we can find strength and comfort in the midst of our pain, understanding that even in our deepest sorrow, God is present, working to redeem our suffering for His glory.

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Explore Psalm 88: Darkness Is My Closest Friend from a Coptic Orthodox perspective. Discover theological insights, practical applications, and find hope in the midst of suffering.