1My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me,
so far from my cries of anguish?
2My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer,
by night, but I find no rest.
3Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One;
you are the one Israel praises.
4In you our ancestors put their trust;
they trusted and you delivered them.
5To you they cried out and were saved;
in you they trusted and were not put to shame.
6But I am a worm and not a man,
scorned by everyone, despised by the people.
7All who see me mock me;
they hurl insults, shaking their heads.
8“He trusts in the Lord,” they say,
“let the Lord rescue him.
Let him deliver him,
since he delights in him.”
Psalm 22 is attributed to King David and is often classified as a Messianic psalm, meaning that it contains elements that are seen as prophetic of the suffering and redemption of Jesus Christ.
Here are some key aspects of Psalm 22:
- Cry of Desolation and Trust: The psalm begins with the famous words, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" These words are echoed by Jesus on the cross in the New Testament (Matthew 27:46). The opening lines express a sense of abandonment and distress, yet they also reveal a deep trust in God's ultimate faithfulness.
- Suffering and Persecution: Throughout the psalm, the speaker describes intense suffering and persecution. The imagery used includes being scorned, mocked, and surrounded by enemies. This can be interpreted both as a description of the psalmist's personal struggles and as a foreshadowing of Christ's suffering on the cross.
- Physical and Emotional Agony: The psalmist vividly portrays physical agony, describing bones out of joint, heartache, and thirst. This imagery may symbolize the depth of emotional and spiritual suffering.
- Prayer for Deliverance: Amidst the pain, the psalmist pleads for deliverance and rescue from God. This request is made in humility, acknowledging God's holiness and the speaker's own unworthiness.
- Confidence in God's Power: Despite the suffering, the psalmist expresses confidence in God's power and history of deliverance. Verses 3-5 highlight God's faithfulness to past generations and the speaker's hope that God will answer their cries.
- Declaration of Praise and Testimony: The psalm shifts from lament to praise and declaration of God's power. The speaker pledges to proclaim God's name to future generations, highlighting the transformation from suffering to gratitude.
- Universal Impact: The psalm ends with a vision of all nations worshiping God. This vision suggests that the suffering and redemption portrayed in the psalm have a universal significance, transcending the individual experience.
- Messianic Interpretation: Psalm 22 is often seen as Messianic due to its parallels with the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The opening words are quoted by Jesus on the cross, and many elements of the psalm seem to correspond with the events surrounding His crucifixion.
Overall, Psalm 22 reflects the depth of human suffering, the longing for God's intervention, and the hope of redemption and ultimate victory. Its themes of suffering, trust, and ultimate triumph resonate with both personal struggles and the redemptive message of the Gospel.
All Prayed Up:
Dear God,
My God, my God, I come before You with a heart that echoes the words of Psalm 22. In moments of pain and confusion, I cry out to You, trusting that You hear my voice. Just as the psalmist expressed both agony and trust, I bring before You my struggles and my faith.
Thank You for the gift of Psalm 22, a reflection of the human experience and a testament to Your eternal presence. As I navigate life's challenges, may I hold onto Your promises and find hope in Your unfailing love.
In the name of Jesus, who bore our suffering and brought us redemption, I pray.
Amen.
Until Next Time Family
I Love You
(KISS)
Remember, God Will Rescue Us and
Be Good To One Another
