In his sermon on Psalms 88–89, Stephen Davey explains how these psalms speak honestly to seasons of deep loneliness while pointing believers back to God’s unwavering faithfulness. Psalm 88, written by Heman the Ezrahite—a wise man and temple choir leader—expresses raw isolation: he feels forgotten, abandoned by companions, and even misunderstood by God. Instead of hiding these emotions, Heman pours them out in prayer, modeling two responses for lonely believers: empty your heart before the Lord, bringing Him every fear, frustration, and tear; and embrace the Lord with your heart, recognizing that loneliness can become an invitation to deeper friendship with God, who never leaves His people. Psalm 89 then follows with a needed reminder of God’s steadfast love, covenant promises, and faithfulness across generations. Ethan the Ezrahite recounts God’s power in Israel’s history and His unbreakable promise to place a Son of David on the throne—a promise ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Though circumstances sometimes make God feel distant, Davey emphasizes that God is always working behind the scenes, setting the stage for what He will accomplish next. These psalms teach believers not to judge God’s faithfulness by emotions or appearances but to anchor their hearts in His unchanging Word, trusting that the God who meets them in loneliness is the same God who keeps every promise forever.
Lessons on Loneliness
Add to Favorites