Forsaken?

Years ago, a friend ask me why no one put Psalm 22:1 on a T-shirt. I was unlearned as to what that verse said so I asked,

“What does it say?”

His reply,

“My God, my God,

why have you forsaken me?”

We live in a world and a Christian culture where those words are taboo. It is ungodly to ask such a question, isn’t it? Maybe not! Jesus said the same words on the Cross (Matt 27:46). The Psalmist felt like God had left him and turned deaf to his cries. He felt trouble and alone. Is there a more miserable place to be? He felt physical exhaustion and a melted heart. He was at the bottom but he continues that he will proclaim and praise God “in the midst of the congregation”. He knew God had “not hidden his face from him”. He knew God had “heard when he cried to him”. He knew he would “be satisfied”. He knew his kingship “belongs to the Lord”.

If you put Psalm 22:1 on a t-shirt you must put it on the front because that is the beginning of the song not the end. On the back you must put the last verse,

“His righteous acts will be told

to those not yet born.

They will hear about everything

he has done.”

It is not what we feel that matters the most. It is what we know.