A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 88

A Devotional Journey Through the Psalms: Psalm 88
-Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow

O Lord, God of my salvation,
I have cried out day and night before You (Psalm 88:1).
 

“When the going gets tough, the tough get going” is a popular self-help saying that falls far short of what God has provided for us through His salvation.

Our soul cannot save our soul. Our flesh cannot deliver us from its own weakness. Our own will, no matter how strong or determined it may be, cannot bring us out of bondage and into spiritual freedom.
 
Psalm 88 is filled with many struggles and troubles of the soul. The cry of the psalmist in verse one is a cry to the Lord. The psalmist did not say to himself “I got this!” He is placing no confidence in himself, in a slogan, in a “higher power”, or in a ten-step plan.
 
There is only one answer for the troubled soul, one hope for the hopeless, and one security for the insecure. It is God’s salvation! Salvation is a God word, declaring God’s full provision for every troubled soul. Salvation is God’s pathway home for the lost, God’s healing for the broken hearted, and God’s freedom for all who are enslaved by sin.
 
Salvation frees us from the guilt of the past, gives us a purpose for the present, and brings hope for our future. Salvation is only possible because of God’s mercy and grace. No one can save themselves. Salvation is God’s free gift through Jesus Christ.
 
Salvation becomes ours when we receive it, not perceive it. It is a gift not a merit. It is perfect and doesn’t need improvement. It is complete and needs nothing added to it. Jesus is God’s only option, there is no other way.
 
Insight: God isn’t an auctioneer; salvation doesn’t go to the highest bidder. 
God isn’t a negotiator; salvation doesn’t go to those looking for a deal.
God isn’t a retailer; salvation doesn’t go to the most loyal customers. 
God isn’t a financier; salvation doesn’t go to those who invest. 
God is a GIVER; salvation goes to those who receive the gift of His Son.
 
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name (John 1:12 NKJV).

#psalms #devotional #devotion #roylessin #meetinginthemeadow
©2026 Roy Lessin, Meeting in the Meadow. Photo by Marina Bromley. Used with permission, all rights reserved.
 
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