April 19, 2019
For full passage click: Psalm 22 …“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning?…Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.” vss. 1, 3
When we get a good dose of suffering on the discipleship trail it’s not unusual to feel as though we’ve lost touch with God. We wonder why rotten things are happening in our lives and, even though we know better, the word “why” keeps coming to our lips. Those days can be excruciatingly painful and the feelings of alienation and separation hang with us through each passing hour. Some have reported finding consolation in the initial words of Psalm 22, the same words Jesus used as he hung on the cross; his only words according to Matthew and Mark. It’s not just that misery loves company, though that may be a factor, but we really do connect with him in a new and intimate way. “Wow,” we think to ourselves, “so this is how Jesus felt!” It’s important for us to remember in those moments that Jesus, like the psalmist, uttered those words in the context of a deep and abiding faith. Even though Jesus, in that moment felt estranged from God, he also knew that God was majestic and holy, greater than any imperial power, even more powerful than death itself. That’s our hope, too, in our moments of darkness. Beyond our suffering there is new life and a love that will conquer all.
Thought for the Day: Why does misery love company?
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