Sometimes God seems like He has abandoned us. After getting fired from my job because I refused to compromise my convictions, it took seven months to find another one. I wondered why God acted so slow. My prayers didn’t seem to go anywhere. Did God realize I was obedient by confronting my boss over an area of integrity? You might be facing an uncomfortable situation. People persecute or misunderstand you. God doesn’t seem to be responding to your prayers. You are on the verge of losing hope. Life seems out of control because things aren’t coming together. What are we to do when life doesn’t make sense?
The Psalmist was crying out day and night with deep anguish, but God still didn’t deliver him. He experienced anxiety and lack of peace until He praised God (Ps. 22:1-4). God inhabits our praises, which show our trust in Him. Crying out to God results in deliverance. It prevents disillusionment when things don’t turn out as expected. Our fervent prayers allow us to deal with dishonor or disgrace from people (Ps. 22:5-6).
We have the privilege to share in Christ’s sufferings here on earth (Col. 1:24). This Psalm explains the sufferings Christ experienced when He was crucified on the cross. People sneered and mocked Him (Ps. 22:7-8). Enemies like strong bulls took advantage of Christ (Ps. 22:12-13). All His emotions were on edge. His strength was gone. He was close to death. People pierced His hands and feet in His weakened condition. People stared at His naked body. They sold His garments (Ps. 22:14-18).
Here in the US, we may experience these things emotionally, but in other countries Christians often share in Christ’s afflictions physically.
The rest of the Psalm provides great hope when we go through afflictions. Here are the Psalmist practical suggestions:
1. Ask God immediately for assistance when you face impossible situations (Ps. 22:19-21).
2. Praise God in front of other believers and share about your deliverances with them (Ps. 22:22-24).
3. Share how God delivered you with other believers (Ps. 22:25)
4. Humbly renew your relationship with God as you seek Him daily (Ps. 22:26-27).
Here is good news! God uses our afflictions to turn people to Christ, especially our children and future generations (Ps. 22:28-31). God used Apostle Paul’s imprisonment for the greater progress of the gospel (Phil. 1:12-18).
In the trial you are facing, ask God for deliverance, praise Him in front of your family while testifying of His deliverance, and humbly renew your personal relationship with God by seeking Him each day.
