Emotional Meditation—By Micah Siemens “But to You I have cried out, O LORD, and in the morning my prayer comes before You” In the midst of overwhelming sorrow, the psalmist reveals outstanding persistence in prayer. Though he feels abandoned and surrounded by darkness, he continues to bring his cries before God. His circumstances have not…

Emotional Meditation—By Micah Siemens “Will You work wonders for the dead? Shall the dead arise and praise You?” As we move forward in Psalm 88 I realize just why this is one of the most sorrowful psalms in Scripture. Unlike many other psalms of lament, it offers little relief from the darkness the writer feels.…

Emotional Meditation—By Micah Siemens “You have laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the depths” Psalm 88 brings readers into one of the most sorrowful prayers in all of Scripture. Unlike many psalms that move from lament to praise, this one lingers in the darkness. The psalmist feels abandoned, overwhelmed, and unable to…

Emotional Meditation—By Micah Siemens “O Lord, God of my salvation, I have cried out day and night before You” Psalm 88 opens with a heartfelt prayer from someone carrying a heavy burden. Unlike many psalms that move quickly toward praise and celebration, this one begins in deep sorrow. Yet even in his anguish, the psalmist…

Emotional Meditation—By Micah Siemens “His foundation is in the holy mountains. The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob” (vv. 1–2). Psalm 87 begins by drawing attention to God’s chosen city, Zion, the place that represented His presence among His people. While the psalm speaks of a physical location,…

Emotional Meditation—By Micah Siemens “O God, the proud have risen against me, and a mob of violent men have sought my life, and have not set You before them” David speaks honestly about the opposition he faced. His enemies were not only powerful but also driven by arrogance and disregard for God. These words remind…

Emotional Meditation—By Micah Siemens “For you, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon you” In a world where people often struggle with guilt, regret, and the fear of rejection, these words offer profound comfort. David reminds us that God’s character is marked by goodness and…

Emotional Meditation—By Micah Siemens “Hear me, Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy” Psalm 86 begins with remarkable honesty. David does not approach God pretending to be strong or self-sufficient. Instead, he comes as one who recognizes his deep need. Many people spend much of life trying to appear capable, carrying burdens…