BIG IDEA: A true friend goes the extra mile with those who suffer.
Our suffering may not just be about us, and it can serve purposes beyond correction.
God will not let us ignore the variety of “external” and “internal” factors that sufferers face.
God gave us different categories of Psalms, some of which give permission and voice to our heartfelt concerns. We call these Psalms of Lament.
3 quick revelations from Psalm 88 (Keller, 247-249):
First, faithful believers can stay sad for a long time.
Second, ongoing sad seasons can reveal new depths of God’s grace.
Third, ongoing sad seasons teach us to worship God for who He is.
