Today’s scripture: Psalm 22:1-5 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Ben Lamb):
The writer of today’s Psalm seems to feel alone in the world. It was as if God was a million miles away, not checking Heaven’s Inbox for urgent messages.
“Why, God? Why have You forsaken me?!” Do you ever find yourself saying the same thing?
These words were also spoken by Jesus on the cross (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34), so I’m hard-pressed to believe that it’s inappropriate for us to ask the same question as well.
Some moments in life are easy to get through, and it can be tempting to think, “Life is good. I can certainly feel God’s presence. Yay-rah-rah for me.”
But, what about those gut-wrenching experiences during which it seems the sun will never shine again within our hearts or lives? Has God really ditched us like a worn out toy whose usefulness is gone?
The Psalmist continues on and acknowledges God’s holiness and offers praise anyway, despite feeling abandoned. The writer then remembers the example set by his ancestors. Those previous generations had continued on in faith and continued to rely on God and ultimately “. . .were not disappointed.”
As I think back to Jesus on the cross and his wondering why God seemed to have forsaken him, something comes to mind. Yes, Jesus expressed those honest and sincere feelings to God. Yet he, too, continued to show faith in God, through his own decision to not exercise the option of being rescued from his plight. I’m eternally grateful for Jesus’ decision.
Jesus’ depth of faith in God is mighty impressive. I’m encouraged to maintain faith when things aren’t easy-going in my own life and I, too, feel alone.
Thought for the day: “. . .he has said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’ So we can say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?’ (Hebrews 13:5-6)
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.