The Psalms are the original hymnbook of the church. Interestingly, we find psalms of praise alongside others about the dark emotions and experiences humans face living in a broken world. Psalm 22 is one such lament. A psalm for when “Trouble is near, and there is none one to help” (v. 11), and it holds out this promise:

God will never abandon his people. 

The psalmist’s artistry invites us to make his complaints (v. 1-2, 6-8, 12-18) our own. The vivid description of feeling abandoned by God, despised by people, and surrounded by enemies frees us to pray sincere and unvarnished prayers to God. The psalm reminds us repeatedly (v. 1, 2, 8, 11, 15, 19), that somewhere at the bottom of all our negative emotions and experiences are questions about and longings for God.

The psalm begins with our agony but then helps us respond in two ways: remember and hope. We remember God’s character: he is Holy and Trustworthy (v. 3-5). We also remember his history with us (v. 9-11) though now we feel he’s silent or far away. We also hope, not in the resolution of our immediate crisis, but in the future perfect rule of God over the world. The psalmist alludes to eternal life (v. 26), the coming rule of God over all the nations (v. 28), and the resurrection (v. 29). He also anticipates the gospel. For Jesus was surrounded, mocked, pierced, and laid in the dust of death to deliver us from being spiritually abandoned because of our sin. He was forsaken so we could be forgiven. This message of hope is for everyone: Israel and the nations (v. 27), the rich and poor (v. 29-30), anyone who will “turn to the Lord” (v. 27). If we turn to Him, he will never abandon us!

Taking it home: How will this psalm change how you process emotions and how you pray?