SONGS FOR THE ROAD

Psalms 88, 90, 91

Casey Arnouts

Woodland Church

Sunday, July 6, 2025

The Reality of Dark Stretches

As Christians, we gather in worship because Jesus is our greatest joy and because God’s love and power are ours because He has promised to be with us.

But even Christians have moments when it feels as though none of those things are true and God feels absent.

That experience shouldn’t surprise us; it was part of Jesus’ life too. (Matt. 27:46)

The inevitable dark stretches can be made worse if we believe things that are untrue…

• Somehow believe if God were better, things wouldn’t happen.
• If we had more faith, we could make them disappear.
• If when we experience it, we believe it is faithless to acknowledge reality.

That is not the witness of Scripture.  In fact, the Bible is filled with psalms that help give voice to our experiences – even dark stretches – that point us to hope.

Psalms – Songs for the Road

The book of Psalms was collected after the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, the experience of exile, and the eradication of the nation of Israel/Judah.

The people of God needed something they could carry with them, in them; something would direct them in faithful ways to trust and follow God.

Psalm 88 – Knocked Down

God knows there will be moments when his people feel alone and their hearts break.  He included psalms like 88 for such moments.  (Proverbs 25:20)

Psalm 90 – Getting Up

The psalmist’s trust in God gives direction, but the ‘feeling’ of God is still in process.  The psalmist will move forward, trusting God to be faithful.

Psalm 91 – Reason for Hope

Psalm 91 helps us remember who is at the end of the journey—why we can trust God and keep going.”

Psalm 91 doesn’t mean we will never experience ‘dark roads,’ pain or questions; it tells us why we can trust God and keep going.

Conclusion/Communion

The reason we can trust for those moments of victory is because of the One who promises them.  Jesus experienced this world as we do.  (Hebrews 4:14-16)

Communion is a helpful reminder of the way through long, dark stretches…

(Matt. 26; Luke 22; 1 Cor. 11)

Look to Jesus (remember)

We remember his life and ministry, death and burial, and finally his resurrection as the pattern in our own lives.

Receive from Jesus (take and eat)

As badly as our body needs food, we need all Jesus promises us.  And he commits to provide as we receive from him.

Gather (share amongst yourselves)

Communion was/is not a solitary exercise.  We are part of a body/family.  We need one another, especially in dark stretches.

He is Leading Us Home (until he returns)

God’s commitment extends to his promises of eternity.  Whatever moment we are in, in God’s heart it connects to where he is leading us.  Dark stretches are not the end of the journey – Jesus is waiting for us in our ultimate home.