SCRIPTURE:
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, and am not silent. Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the praise of Israel. In you our fathers put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them. They cried to you and were saved; in you they trusted and were not disappointed.”
Psalm 22:1-5
OBSERVATION:
David clearly describes the carnal to spiritual process we often find ourselves in through his words and testimony. We know the victories as well as trials of David and how in his time of rejection and despair he carnally voiced his question of why God forsook him. Yet, as a man after God’s own heart, Dave quickly realizes that God is the Holy One that he needed to put his trust in, to be saved, and not disappointed. Rather then doubting or lacking faith in God, he voiced an urgent appeal. I love how David represents the gamut of man in terms of how one can be so successful, yet fail quite far; so wise yet make senseless mistakes. However, in spite of failure and mistakes, David’s resolve was knowing that God is the answer, and how to seek after God’s heart in trust and faith. Jesus later would also verbalize the exact words that David did while hanging on the cross, bearing our burden of sin. He knew God’s will and that the cup would not be passed, as He knew it was for the Kingdom purposes and to save our lives, which was not an act of being forsaken.
APPLICATION:
Ever feel like God has forsaken you? Ever feel like God’s not listening or that he doesn’t care because of your situation of need and despair? How often we will hear or even think - I prayed, believed and trusted God; yet He hasn’t answered my prayer and need. It is so easy to doubt, lose faith and feel dejected, especially in these tough economic times when people are either suffering financially or as a result doing desperate things. God always hears us and does not forsake us. Like David and Jesus, He often allows us to experience disparaging times to build our character, to teach us profound lessons, or be a part of His kingdom purposes and His glory. Like David, we need to be quick to realize in disparaging times, that God is on His throne and that we can trust Him to save us even if we have to go through trial and tribulation. Yes, it’s easier said then done when one is in the eye of the storm. Yet, His word speaks to us. Prayer can bring peace, and it will take the step of faith that David took as he said “you are enthroned,” “they cried to you and were saved,” and “were not disappointed.” We need to remember the words of the bible and the testimony of others in disparaging times in encouragement, so that we are able to hold on and not feel forsaken.
PRAYER:
Lord, thank you for the life and testimony of David who was a man; yes a man full of foibles and mistakes, but a man after Your own heart. May I also be a man after your heart; able to persevere through trials and tribulations and not feel forsaken because I know your Word and I know how it all ends … we win through Christ. Lord. Please imprint your Word in my heart that I may have quick recall when needed.
