Day 209 When God Feels Distant: Clinging to Hope in the Midst of Pain

🌿 When God Feels Distant: Clinging to Hope in the Midst of Pain

by Torrie Slaughter

Psalm 22:1-18

Psalm 22 is one of the most raw and prophetic passages in all of Scripture. It opens with a haunting cry of despair but slowly shifts into a declaration of trust and a foreshadowing of redemption. David’s words don’t just echo his own anguish—they prophetically point to the suffering of Jesus on the cross.

In this devotional, let’s journey with David through his valley of pain and see how God’s presence shines even in the darkest moments.

💔 A Cry of Despair

Feeling Forsaken
"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?"(Psalm 22:1)

David opens with an unfiltered expression of abandonment. These same words will later fall from Jesus’ lips as He bears the weight of our sin on Calvary (Matthew 27:46). This connection reminds us that even when we feel God is silent, He is not absent.

Persistent Prayer
"My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest" (Psalm 22:2).

Have you ever prayed and felt like heaven was closed? David’s honesty comforts us: even the faithful wrestle with silence. Yet, persistence keeps us tethered to hope.

Remembering God’s Faithfulness
"Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises..." (Psalm 22:3-4).

In his despair, David recalls God’s past deliverances. This shift is key for us too: remembering His faithfulness in the past can reignite trust for today.

🩸 The Depths of Suffering

Despised and Rejected
"But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people" (Psalm 22:6).

David feels utterly humiliated—less than human. These words echo Isaiah 53:3, pointing us to Jesus, who was despised and rejected for our sake.

Mocked and Ridiculed
"All who see me mock me... 'He trusts in the Lord,' they say..." (Psalm 22:7-8).

These taunts prefigure the scorn Jesus endured (Matthew 27:39-43). Even in ridicule, the enemy cannot silence trust in God.

Trust From Birth
"Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you..." (Psalm 22:9-10).

David anchors himself in a lifelong relationship with God. When we can’t see the way forward, we look back and remember: He’s been faithful since the beginning.

🙏🏽 A Plea for Help

Feeling Surrounded
"Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help" (Psalm 22:11).

Loneliness intensifies suffering, but David’s cry reminds us that we can always call on the Lord for help.

8. Enemies Like Bulls and Lions
"Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me..." (Psalm 22:12-13).

David describes his enemies as wild beasts—strong, relentless, intimidating.

9. Physical and Emotional Agony
"I am poured out like water... my heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me" (Psalm 22:14).

Suffering touches every part of us—mind, body, and spirit. Jesus experienced this too, so He can meet us in our pain.

✝️ The Experience of Death

10. Encircled by Evil
"Dogs surround me... they pierce my hands and my feet" (Psalm 22:16).

This haunting imagery points us straight to the cross, where Jesus was nailed for our redemption.

11. Bones on Display
"All my bones are on display; people stare and gloat over me" (Psalm 22:17).

Humiliation. Exposure. Utter vulnerability. Christ endured all of this to clothe us in His righteousness.

12. Dividing Garments
"They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment" (Psalm 22:18).

A prophetic detail fulfilled in John 19:23-24. Even in His suffering, Jesus fulfilled every word of Scripture.

🕊️ Reflections

Psalm 22 reminds us that God is not distant from our pain—He entered into it fully through Christ. Whatever anguish you’re carrying today, bring it to Him. He understands.

🙏🏽 Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,
When life feels heavy and Your presence seems far away, remind us that You have never left us. Thank You for sending Jesus, who bore our sin, shame, and sorrow on the cross. Strengthen us to trust You in the silence and to hold fast to Your promises. May we remember that Sunday’s resurrection always follows Friday’s cross. In Jesus’ name, Amen.