Do you
know which psalm is quoted most often in the New Testament? You may have
guessed the familiar and beloved 23rd Psalm, but actually it is Psalm 22. This
psalm begins with David’s poignant, heart- breaking words that were quoted by
Jesus on the cross, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matt. 27:46;
Mark 15:34).
Imagine
the situation David must have found himself in that caused him to cry out to
God in this way. Notice that he felt forsaken and abandoned: “Why are You so
far from helping me?” (Ps. 22:1). He also felt ignored: “O my God, I cry in the
daytime, but You do not hear” (v.2).
Ever been
there? Have you ever looked up into the heavens and wondered why it seemed that
God had abandoned you, or was ignoring you? Welcome to David’s world. But for
every plaintive cry David expresses, there is a characteristic of God mentioned
that rescues him from despondency. Through it all, David discovers that God is
holy (v.3), trustworthy (vv.4-5), a deliverer and rescuer (vv.8,20-21), and his
strength (v.19).
Do you feel forsaken? Seek the Lord. Rehearse His character. And “let your heart rejoice with everlasting joy” (v.26 nlt).
Even when we don’t sense God’s presence,
His loving care is all around us. (RBC)
