Ps 22:1-2 My God, my God, why have you abandoned (forsaken) me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help? Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. Every night I lift my voice, but I find no relief.
David gives an amazing description of what would happen to the Messiah hundreds of years later. Jesus spoke the first part while he hung on the cross. At either time, day or night, were these words spoken in hopelessness or in hope? David was going through a great test or trial, but with suffering, he gained victory. Feeling hopeless but praying in hope is the key to that victory.
David felt hopeless. Sometimes Christians are taught we will never endure hopelessness and if we do, it is because of failure, sin in our lives or lack of faith. David demonstrates here, that believers do hurt. Sure, we may have a problem with sin or lack of faith, but if Jesus endured feeling forsaken and hopeless, why shouldn’t we? From experiences, David knew God would fulfill his promises.
Just as verse, one and two express the hopelessness of life, verses 3 and 4 validate all the hope that we can receive. David realizes that God already answered his prayer because our ancestors had received the answer. Therefore, hope was alive and he held onto that hope throughout his life. Can we do any less? Jesus died for us all and gives us hope every day.
Jena Kleinpeter 