PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Psalm 22
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one.” (Psalm 22:24)
At first this psalm sounds like a crucifixion song, but it ends as a resurrection song.
In vv.1-21 David reflects on his time of terrible sorrow and suffering.
He describes being forsaken (v.1), mocked (vv.7-8) and robbed (v.18), like Jesus.
We don’t know how long this crisis was, but we do know David lives to talk about it.
In vv.22-31 David is singing about it in church, telling everyone what the Lord has done.
David wants people to know God is faithful, even if sometimes silent or absent.
Jesus went through this, like David, but did not live to tell about it at first.
Jesus was crucified, he died and was buried… end of story it seems.
But even Jesus can say with David that God “listened to his cry for help” (22:24).
To all those who feel forsaken, despised, scorned and afflicted, God is still for you.
We don’t know how long this crisis will be, but you will live to talk about it.
Not even death can stop you, because Jesus has beaten death with us, for us!
Generations have shared this faith, and have proclaimed it through the ages.
“He has done it” (22:31), and he will do it – he will not forsake you!
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for joining with me in my suffering and death to overcome it for me! You have not despised me, you have loved me! I too will sing this resurrection choir!
Yes Lord, things can sometimes be very negative – but even then you are really not far away. You care for me even when I feel that you are ignoring me. I join David when he writes: “But you, Lord, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me.” Yes Lord you are close by the gift of your HS – sent by Jesus. Encourage me and may I feel your presence always!
At all times I need to praise God – in times of joy and in times of sorrow. God is with His people and He listens to their praises and their cries. Trust in the Lord at all times. He is my strength and my salvation. He is my Rock. He is my Security as He has promised. I need to go forward this day and every day in His presence, living for Jesus, serving Him. May those around me see that I serve a risen Saviour Who empowers me each day anew.
I serve a risen Savior
He’s in the world today.
I know that He is living,
Whatever men may say.
I see His hand of mercy;
I hear His voice of cheer;
And just the time I need Him
He’s always near.
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.