ReaD Psalm 22:1-21
God acknowledges the anguish of the human experience.
In Psalm 22 we encounter David during a time of despair. He hid from those who wanted to kill him. David felt rejected by God because his situation was not as expected from God’s promise. In verse 1 he cries out to the Lord, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” David felt as if God had rejected him. Through his anguish, David continued to trust God.
We encounter the same outcry from Jesus, who when on the Cross, asked the Father the same question, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:26). Jesus, too, trusted God.
Our levels of distress may not be the same. In many ways we experience circumstances and situations that cause us anguish or despair. There is hope because God will minister to our anguished hearts in the exact manner needed. We need to trust Him.
Over a short time period I experienced the loss of a niece (12), nephew (15), sister, friend and best friend. Then COVID arrived. I was in a constant state of grief. I was overwhelmed from being surrounded by so much death and sickness. I began to despair. I knew God was still in control and that He cared, but He seemed so far away and I couldn’t hear Him. Our suffering and anguish is temporary. We can draw closer to God through these times, for He is our help. He will not leave us nor forsake us.
When we allow God into our anguish we come to a turning point that leads to victory in Him. May we share and proclaim triumph through God who rescues us from despair. Join in the victory won when Jesus went to the Cross, where He experienced the anguish of sin and death. He rose up in victory.
When you experience anguish, or during the time when it doesn’t feel like God is there, remember, “For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help” (Psalm 22:24). He is there. He hears your prayers.
For Reflection:
- When have you felt abandoned by God? How can you encourage someone who is feeling despair?
By Donna James
