Hope for the Hurting: For the Hurting: Encouragement for Suffering SeasonsSample

Years ago, I experienced significant health challenges in a time when, shortly after moving, I lacked emotional support outside of my husband. In my loneliness, uncertainty, and confusion regarding my situation and some painful circumstances surrounding people I loved, I felt ignored and abandoned by God. But that season ultimately led to some of my most precious and intimate moments with my Lord.

His presence changed my perspective.

Scholars refer to Psalm 22 as the Messianic psalm because Jesus quoted its first line while hanging on the cross and also because the passage provides a vivid description of some of Christ’s experiences during the crucifixion. Many believe, by stating the first line, He was reminding everyone of the full passage, which ends not in defeat and despair but feasting and celebration. It assures us that, as horrific as His death was, it wasn’t the end.

Although at times, we might feel forsaken by God, Christ’s death on the cross proves otherwise. When our circumstances feel too hard to bear, Psalm 22, originally penned by an Israelite king named David, can provide a powerful road map that leads to the comfort that is always available to us in Christ.

He didn’t cushion his words in quote-unquote “acceptable” Sunday morning church talk. Instead, he expressed the depth of his anguish.

But in his despair, David reminded himself of truth and of the Lord’s past faithfulness (Ps. 22:4-5).

David didn’t let his pain, doubts, or fear get the final say. Instead, he informed and encouraged his soul with truth.

The Lord doesn’t change. The same God that rescued David’s ancestors, that delivered the ancient Israelites again and again, that delivered David as well, will remain faithful to me and you.

~Warmly, Jennifer Slattery