“Inside Out: Fear, Sadness, and Disgust“, by Rev. Mike Holly
Psalm 22 starts out in desperation: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” These are the same words that Jesus himself quotes from the Psalms while on the cross. “Why are you so far from saving me?” it continues. By the time we reach the verses for this morning’s sermon, we find that the author is now reaching out to God – believing God to be faithful. God has not forgotten or forsaken His people. Whatever the Psalmist is experiencing, even though it is difficult, is temporary. It will pass and things will improve because of God and his faithfulness and mercy.
It is good new for us to hear that God has not forgotten, despised or scorned the summering of the one who is afflicted. For each and every one of us has a time in our lives where we are afflicted either externally by forces beyond our control or by internal forces that threaten our security or sanity. Knowing that God is not ignoring our affliction or even reveling in our affliction means that we have a God that is for us and especially with us. Instead of turning His back upon us, God establishes His place beside us.
The Bible often lauds God’s nature as that of “steadfast love and forgiveness.” That word “steadfast” is the one that stands out to me when I think about those who encounter hardship or affliction. God is steadfast. He is unwavering in His call for us to belong to Him and He is unwavering in His presence among us.
—Mike Holly
The Word
You who fear the Lord, praise him!
All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him;
stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!
For he did not despise or abhor
the affliction of the afflicted;
he did not hide his face from me,
but heard when I cried to him.From you comes my praise in the great congregation;
my vows I will pay before those who fear him.
The poor shall eat and be satisfied;
those who seek him shall praise the Lord.
May your hearts live forever!
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