When Your Time Draws Near

READ PSALM 88

Psalm 88:2-3(ESV)

² Let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my cry!

³ For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol.

A dear friend of mine battled cancer for the final 20 years of her life. There were many prayers and many conversations about life, death, struggle, pain, and questions about why God had not answered prayers for healing.

In this life there will always be a battle, but for each person the battle is different.

There are many battles I can think of:

1. Anxiety and stress

2. Addiction

3. Relationship drama or trauma

4. Career ups and downs

5. Mental and physical health

The list goes on and on. What battle are you facing? What prayer has gone unanswered?

Personally, I can think of many times I have cried out to God over the battles I have faced in life. "Deliver me, God. I don't want to fight this battle anymore!"

The answer often comes in a way I never expect. The Lord shows me someone else's battle, and theirs is much more difficult than mine. I am quickly humbled by the honor, grace, and strength in which they fight. And honestly, their ability to give glory and honor to God in the midst of their weakest moments drives me to my knees in repentance.

Psalm 88 gives us an inside look at a battle taking place in the writer. The opening words hit close to home, "O Lord, God of my salvation, I cry out day and night before you. Let my prayer come before you; Incline your ear to my cry."

What is going on here? Well, the battle is drawing to an end and the Psalmists soul is full of trouble. It has been a hard fought battle, and it appears healing victory won't come this side of heaven.

That brings me back to my friend who battled cancer and tumors for the final 20 years of her life. She was a couragous fighter! I don't think anyone prayed, sought the Lord, asked others to pray for her, listened to more worship and praise music, and checked every spiritual box to receive the Lord's healing. She did everything medically possible as well, but as each year passed she lost more weight, she became weaker, and in her final year she could hardly eat without food "wrecking" her frail body.

And yet, she battled!

The battle involved ups and downs.

Doubts and darkness. Laughter and smiles. Anger and frustration. Praise and worship.

She fought hard to worship the Lord in church. She fought hard to be present at important events. Even when she was down or struggling, it was part of her battle.

She always trusted the Lord through it all. Even in her doubt. Even in her down moments. Even when darkness was closing in.

Do yourself a favor and read Psalm 88. It's a true picture of what "life" looks like your final days are drawing near. And isn't it wonderful that God includes this roller coaster of emotions in His Word?

I love Psalm 88 because it is real. You may think doubts and dark moments in the midst of your battles mean your faith is dwindling. But my friend, the opposite can be true.

It just shows you are human! Real life is not unwavering...it waves in the midst of the storm. But the faith fights til the end, and in the end it praise the Lord!

In my friends final days I was able to sit by her bedside and sing praise and worship songs with her. We sang It Is Well and we sang Give Me Jesus. The words to Give Me Jesus reminded me of Psalm 88:13...

In the morning when I rise Give me Jesus

It was a beautiful moment that showed me how to live well and to die better.

No matter what battle you are facing. Whether that battle is closer to the end or the beginning, or perhaps right in the middle...don't lose heart. When your time draws near, honor the Lord.

Josh Huisman is the senior pastor of Crosswalk Church in Brentwood, TN. If you would like to support this website and make it possible for this page to stay active and these devotions to reach a wider audience, CLICK HERE

Click to Subscribe to Receive these Devotions in your email!