Psalm 22 is a well-known messianic Psalm that beautifully portrays the mocking, beating, and death of Jesus Christ for the sins of the world. It reminds us that even the most faithful experience moments of deep despair and feel abandoned by God. As followers of Christ, we sometimes go through trials that make us wonder if God has forsaken us. “God, God . . . my God! Why did you dump me miles from nowhere? Doubled up with pain, I call to God all the day long. No answer. Nothing.” In those times, it is natural to remember how God miraculously answered the prayers of others and feel, “…Here I am, a nothing—an earthworm, something to step on, to squash.” The loneliness of our trials can feel overwhelming, and we may not understand why God allows suffering to touch our lives.
Yet even in the depths of despair, we can cling to the hope that God is present. Though it may feel like, “…Since the moment of birth you’ve been my God. Then you moved far away and trouble moved in next-door.” or, “I’m a bucket kicked over and spilled…I’m dry as a bone…” and, “a bag of bones in a cage, stared at by every passerby.” we are not abandoned. We may think, “if you don’t show up soon, I’m done for—gored by the bulls, meat for the lions.” But God’s faithfulness is unwavering. Just as He shared the suffering of His only Son on the cross and raised Him from the dead, He is present with us in every trial. “Here’s the story I’ll tell my friends…He has never let you down, never looked the other way when you were being kicked around. He has never wandered off to do his own thing; he has been right there, listening.” This assurance allows us to persevere, knowing that God’s rescue and restoration are certain.
The ultimate message of this Psalm is the gospel itself: Jesus Christ, crucified, died, buried, and RESURRECTED! All who believe in Him share in this victory. As a result of this good news, “From the four corners of the earth people are coming to their senses, are running back to God. Long-lost families are falling on their faces before him. God has taken charge; from now on, he has the last word. Our children and their children will get in on this as the word is passed along from parent to child. Babies not yet conceived will hear the good news…” Jesus Saves, Jesus Saves! This eternal promise reminds us that no trial is final, no suffering is permanent, and God’s redeeming power reaches every generation. Our hope is anchored in Christ, and His resurrection assures us that life, restoration, and joy are inevitable for all who believe.