Have you ever asked this question, “Lord, why do you remain distant?”
I think, if we are honest, all of us have asked this. Maybe some haven’t voiced this question out loud but have felt it inside.
There are seasons in our lives when we feel that God is distant and not listening.
I was reading an anguished prayer of King David in the Psalms that identifies with these exact feelings. So, take note that God is identifying with your anguish from prolonged attacks. Jesus, Himself, has identified with your sorrow and groaning.
Let’s look at some of the verses in this Psalm and unpack them. David begins the Psalm saying, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Psalm 22: 1a
Let’s stop right here. Where have you heard this before? If you answered from Jesus on the cross, you are correct.
David continues, “Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?” Psalm 22: 1b
The Passion Translation says, “I can’t stop sobbing. Where are you, my God?” Psalm 22: 2
Yes, not only was King David pouring out his heart, but Jesus did too. In fact, this entire Psalm is a prophetic portrait of Jesus on the cross.
When Jesus quoted the verse asking, “Why have you forsaken me?” He was identifying Himself as the One that David wrote about in this Psalm.
In our anguish and frustration of feeling like God is not answering us, He is identifying with us, just as He did with King David.
David now reminds God of who He is and says,“…I know that you are most Holy; it’s indisputable. You are God enthroned, surrounded with songs…Our father’s faith was in you–through the generations they trusted and believed in you, and you came through.” Psalm 22: 3-4
David continues to talk with God and pray, as He wants us to. He tells God how he’s mocked, despised, and abused with insults.
He now lets God know what his enemies are saying about him like God doesn’t know. We do the same thing, don’t we?
He says, “They are saying, “Is this the one who trusted in God? Is this the one who claims God is pleased with him? Now, let’s see if your God will come to your rescue! We’ll just see how much He delights in you!” Psalm 22: 8
Clearly, David is being mocked; yet our God will not be mocked!
David then shifts his focus to what’s being done to him and turns his attention to the faithfulness of his God. He says, “Since the day I was born I’ve been placed in your custody. You’ve cradled me throughout my days. I’ve trusted in you, and you’ve always been my God.” Psalm 22: 10
What can we learn from David?
Learning to shift our focus on God and His faithfulness will pull us up and out of despair.
The enemy delights when we keep our focus on the problem, the despair or anguish that we are in. Don’t yield to his schemes.
David now gives another example of how we can be pulled up and out of that despair.
He now begins to make declarations and continues to shift and declare who God is by saying, “I will declare your name to my brothers; in the congregation I will praise you. You who fear the Lord, praise him! Revere Him, all you descendants of Israel! For He has NOT despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; He has NOT hidden His face from him but has listened to his cry for help.” Psalm 22: 22-24
What is my point?
Learn to praise God in the midst of the battle.
Declare and remember His promises. Praise is a weapon against the enemy. Utilize it!
“Bring Yahweh praise and you will find Him. Your hearts will overflow with outrageous joy!” Psalm 22: 26b
Then we will remember that our life of being rescued is what took place on the cross as Jesus declared, “It is finished.”
Those three words included past, present, and future.
KINGDOM ASSURANCE
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