Psalm 22:1 – “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so far from helping Me, And from the words of My groaning?”
Psalm 22 is one of the greatest Messianic passages in the Old Testament. While other passages, such as Isaiah 53, speak of Christ’s sufferings, this Psalm prophesies with incredible accuracy the emotional suffering and even the words Christ would use on the cross. It also reveals Christ’s commitment to the word of God by quoting scripture to the very end.
Let us consider for a moment the opening verse of this Psalm. These words were uttered from the lips of Jesus while on the cross in Matthew 27:46. I want to highlight the other verses in the Psalms prophesying our Lord’s sufferings, but before we get there we must not hasten past these amazing words. They reach down into the depths of the individuals in our society and churches who have felt the darkness of complete isolation and loneliness. Jesus identified so completely with man’s utter separation from God that He allowed Himself to experience something that He had never experienced in the eternal past. He did this for you and for me. He became disconnected so we could be connected. He understands all too well the pain of your loneliness.
Verses 7 and 8 prophesy the ridicule that our Savior would receive.
Verses 14 through 17 reveal to us the tremendous physical pain that Jesus suffered. All of his bones were out of joint and severe dehydration set in.
Verse 18 prophesies the treatment of Christ by the Roman soldiers by saying “They divide My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.”
In the midst of it all a tremendous promise emerges.
Verse 3 declares, “But You are holy, Enthroned in the praises of Israel.” I find it very refreshing to have this reminder enfolded in the center of pain and turmoil.
Let us remember that God dwells in the middle of our praises. His presence will come when we are faced with loneliness and darkness if we will push past our feelings and lift a praise that may be the key to our deliverance.