From Crying Out to Praising God

Psalm 22’s Guide to Trusting Him

Have you ever felt completely alone, even in a crowded room? That deep, gnawing sense of abandonment can be overwhelming. Psalm 22 captures this raw emotion, providing a safe space to explore our deepest fears and ultimately find trust and praise in God. Today, we’ll journey through Psalm 22 to understand how we, too, can move from crying out in distress to praising God with confidence.

The Cry of Abandonment (Psalm 22:1-2)

The psalm begins with a heart-wrenching cry: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1 NIV). The psalmist, David, feels utterly abandoned by God. And these very words are echoed by Jesus on the cross in his last moments expressing his loneliness and despair.

Feeling abandoned can lead to heightened anxiety and a sense of isolation. It’s crucial to acknowledge these emotions rather than suppress them. David’s honest expression of his feelings validates our own experiences of abandonment.

God invites us to bring every emotion to Him, creating a deeper and more authentic relationship.

Take a moment to reflect on times when you felt abandoned by God. Write down those experiences, recognizing that it’s okay to feel this way. Acknowledgment is a first step towards healing.

From the Depths of Despair (Psalm 22:3-21)

As we move through Psalm 22, David describes intense suffering: “I am a worm and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people” (Psalm 22:6 NIV). He details his physical and emotional anguish, surrounded by enemies and feeling utterly forsaken.

Articulating our distress can be a therapeutic process, allowing for emotional release and clarity. Theologically, detailed lament teaches us that we can bring every detail of our pain to God. He is present even in our deepest despair.

Follow David’s example by writing your own lament. Describe your struggles in detail, knowing that God listens to every word. This practice can help you process your emotions and draw closer to God.

The Turning Point (Psalm 22:22-26)

In verse 22, there’s a noticeable shift: “I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly I will praise you” (Psalm 22:22 NIV). David begins to transition from lament to praise, recalling God’s past faithfulness.

Cognitive reframing is a powerful tool. By focusing on past experiences of God’s faithfulness, we can change our perspective on current struggles. David’s shift to praise reminds us to remember and recount God’s faithfulness.

Take time to journal about moments when you experienced God’s faithfulness. These recollections can help renew your trust in Him, especially during challenging times.

Community and Praise (Psalm 22:27-31)

The final verses of Psalm 22 extend David’s praise to a communal and global scale: “All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord” (Psalm 22:27 NIV). This shift highlights the importance of community in the healing process.

Shared experiences within a community provide support and encouragement.

The church plays a vital role in supporting individuals through their emotional journeys. By sharing our stories of pain and praise, we build collective trust and hope in God.

Engage with your faith community. Share your story and listen to others. This communal connection fosters a sense of belonging and reinforces the collective memory of God’s faithfulness.

Experiencing God Like the Psalmist

God invites us to relationship with Him through honest and open communication. This journey isn’t linear, and it doesn’t happen overnight. But as we bring our deepest fears and sorrows to God, we learn to trust Him more deeply and experience His presence in every emotion.

We hope you are enjoying this series. If you missed the previous blogs, check them out—
Praise, Lament and Hope (Part 1)
Why Do the Wicked Thrive? (Part 2)
No More Sleepless Nights (Part 3)