King David wrote Psalm 22 to express his sufferings to the Lord. Although God brought victories in King David's life, it did not mean he didn't suffer. Just like many of us, we experience feeling forsaken because of the circumstances that we are facing. King David prayed in Psalm 22:1-2, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest." David could have written Psalm 22 while on the run from King Saul, who tried to kill him. This was before he became the King of Israel. David cried out to God when he was at his lowest. Even people were mocking his trust in the Lord, "But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people. All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads. 'He trusts in the Lord,' they say, 'let the Lord rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him (Psalm 22:6-7).'"
Our Lord Jesus said the same words when he was dying for our sins on the cross. When our sins came upon our Lord Jesus, our Heavenly Father turned His face away from our Lord Jesus because of our sins. It was then our Lord Jesus felt forsaken. Our Heavenly Father couldn't see our Lord Jesus marred with our sins. Jesus cried out in a loud voice in the ninth hour (3 p.m.) on the cross, "'Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?' which means, 'My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?'" (Matthew 27:46). Our Heavenly Father forsaken our Lord Jesus for a brief moment; however, when our Lord Jesus rose from the dead, He was glorified. When we feel forsaken by our God, we need to remind ourselves that He never abandons us. God allowed us to go through suffering to teach or strengthen our faith in Him. God's goal is to make us like Him in godliness.
David never lost his faith in God. He prayed, "But you, Lord, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me (Psalm 22:19)." It is not easy to go through difficulties, but it is one of the places where we can experience God's power in our lives and grow in our faith in Him. Let us continue to persevere in our suffering and never give up. The light of the tunnel is around the corner. God's salvation is near.
Ask yourself these questions for application: (Think through carefully and meditate on the questions while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you). What did David do when he felt forsaken? What should I do when I feel forsaken? Why is it important to persevere in my faith in God in my suffering?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, please help me to continue to trust you in my waiting for your deliverance. I believe that you do not forsake me. You are always with me and know my sufferings. Please help me and give me rest and peace. In you alone, I trust. In your name, Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen.