September 13, 2026

A Prayer When The Darkness Does Not Lift, Psalm 88

Preacher: David Arruda Series: Summer Psalms 2026 Scripture: Psalm 88:1–18

Grace Gospel Church — Sermon Notes
A Prayer When The Darkness Does Not Lift, Psalm 88
Date: 09/13/2026
I. When Darkness Comes, Cry to the God of Your Salvation
Psalm 88:1–9
A. Bring Your Cry Before the God of Your
Psalm 88:1–2
B. Bring God the Full of Your Situation & Your Weakness
Psalm 88:3–5
C. When God’s Providence Feels Like , Bring Your Complaint Before God
Psalm 88:6–7
D. Bring Your Before the Lord
Psalm 88:8
E. Use Whatever Remaining You Have To Pray To God
Psalm 88:9
II. When You Plead in the Darkness, Appeal to God’s Glory and Character
Psalm 88:10–12
A. Plead for God to Act So He May Be Among the Living
Psalm 88:10
B. Make God’s Revealed the Ground of Your Appeal
Psalm 88:11–12
III. When Darkness Still Does Not Lift, Cry to God Again
Psalm 88:13–18
A. When Morning Comes and Nothing Has Changed, Come Back to God
Psalm 88:13
B. Bring God Your “?” Questions About His Perceived Displeasure
Psalm 88:14
C. Tell God When Prolonged Affliction You and Leaves You Alone in Darkness
Psalm 88:15–18
Additional Notes
Reflection Questions

1. When darkness comes, is your first instinct to be numb/withdraw from God or to cry out to Him?

2. What burden, fear, grief, or weakness do you need to bring honestly before God rather than carrying silently?

3. When God’s providence is painful and difficult to understand, are you willing to bring your confusion to Him while still calling Him “the God of my salvation”?

4. What specific truths or examples about God’s lovingkindness, faithfulness, and righteousness can you cling to when some circumstance overwhelmed you?

5. Have you stopped praying about something because God has not answered as quickly or clearly as you hoped? Why not pray again?

6. Can you continue seeking God when the darkness does not lift and you are left asking, “Why?”

7. How does Christ’s own suffering, abandonment, and victory give you hope when Psalm 88 feels like the story of your own life?

Takeaway: Bring the darkest lament directly before the Lord and continually appeal for His deliverance that His name be praised.

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When All Creation Sings, Psalm 98

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