Year of the Bible: Part Seven of TwelveSample

A Song from The Cross

King David wrote this psalm more as a song than just a poem. It was a song of humiliation and exaltation. The humiliations David experienced and the exaltation he had for God while in difficult circumstances were the foundation of his relationship with God. It’s likely that David sang this song regularly and even more so during hardship. It’s a song we can sing as a reminder of God’s love for us through the gospel.

Penned by David but composed by God, this simple song shows us the prophetic language of Christ’s humiliation and exaltation on the cross. Jesus and David shared similar experiences under different circumstances. However, in both cases, we see an unbreakable relationship with God. This psalm captured some of David’s life circumstances, but it also showcased a genuine perspective on the relationship that we can have with God through Jesus.

It may seem like God abandoned David and Jesus, but this can’t be true. Jesus told the disciples they would abandon Him when crucified but that He would not be alone because God the Father was with Him. The word “forsaken” that is found in both places (Psalm 22:1; Matthew 27:46) doesn’t mean “forsaken” as being abandoned, but “forsaken” as not present to withhold suffering. When Jesus shouted this desperate cry, perhaps He reminded the spectators how the Psalm’s prophesies were fulfilled and how the rest would take place. Spectators familiar with the psalm must have been encouraged even in their sadness. We often connect our happiness with the presence of God. In hardship, we may feel like He has abandoned us, but rest assured that God is always present and may allow some hardship to happen for our good and/or His glory. Singing the song of Psalm 22 is a spiritual exercise that benefits our faith. Remember that Jesus laid His own life down for our good and provided a song from the cross that will always remind us of His loving gospel.

Question: Did you know that God goes nowhere because He is everywhere? How does that make you feel?

Prayer: Ask the Lord to reveal a greater awareness of His presence and express sincere gratitude for all He has done, including the song from the cross.