Contradiction with Psalms 23:4
Psalms 23:4 speaks of God’s presence providing comfort, even in the darkest valley, contrasting with the absence of comfort and isolation felt in Psalms 88:18.
Psalms 23:4: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Contradiction with Isaiah 41:10
Isaiah 41:10 promises that God will be with His people, offering strength and support, which counters the sense of abandonment in Psalms 88:18.
Isaiah 41:10: Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Contradiction with Matthew 28:20
In Matthew 28:20, Jesus assures that He is with believers always, contrasting with the feeling of being forsaken in Psalms 88:18.
Matthew 28:20: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.
Contradiction with Hebrews 13:5
Hebrews 13:5 contains God’s promise to never leave nor forsake, contradicting the sentiment of being alone and without help in Psalms 88:18.
Hebrews 13:5: [Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Contradiction with Romans 8:38-39
Romans 8:38-39 declares that nothing can separate us from the love of God, contrasting the experience of separation and disconnection expressed in Psalms 88:18.
Romans 8:38-39: For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Paradox #1
Psalms 88:18 expresses a deep sense of isolation and abandonment. The potential theological conflict arises from the idea that God is supposed to be a constant source of comfort and presence. This verse, with its expression of utter loneliness, could seem inconsistent with the belief in God's unwavering companionship and support. It challenges the notion that faith always brings a sense of peace and divine closeness.
Paradox #2
The moral issue could be the feeling of abandonment and despair expressed in the verse. This might seem inconsistent with the belief in a caring and ever-present deity, creating a conflict between personal experience and faith.