Psalm 88:3

Psalm 88:3

Overwhelmed with troubles

At this point in his suffering, the writer clearly believes himself to be close to death. We do not know if this situation was caused by illness or danger or enemy activity, all we know is that he did not expect to survive. However, in the midst of this mortal crisis, he finds the words to express how he feels, and he records the dire effect of the trials on his mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing. In his head he can see no way out of this, his inner being shakes with fear and an overwhelming awareness of the brooding power of death and the tentacles of the grave claw at his soul. 

It is impossible for us to imagine how our Lord Jesus felt as He hung upon that wretched Roman crucifix. In three hours of darkness His body writhed with pain and His soul was tortured by the fear of what death might do to Him. Who could ever enter that ghastly chamber and emerge again? No one had done it before Him and without His Father’s help, how could He survive? The taunts of the enemy grew ever louder, reminding Him that He was alone and unlikely to survive. The Father’s plans would be crushed forever and the doorway to salvation would be slammed shut. Yes, Jesus did suffer from self-doubt, that is why the Scriptures tell us that He was tested in every way as we are! Hebrews 4:15.

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