Day 26 A Cry of Forsaken Hope Turned to Faith A Reflection on Psalm 22
Psalm 22 is a deeply emotional psalm of lament, written by David, that prophetically points to the suffering of Jesus Christ on the cross. It begins with an agonizing cry of abandonment but transitions into a powerful affirmation of trust in God’s deliverance.
3 min read


A Cry of Forsaken Hope Turned to Faith
by Torrie Slaughter
Scripture Focus: Psalm 22:1–18
Key Verse:
"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, NIV)
Psalm 22 is a deeply emotional psalm of lament, written by David, that prophetically points to the suffering of Jesus Christ on the cross. It begins with an agonizing cry of abandonment but transitions into a powerful affirmation of trust in God’s deliverance. This psalm reminds us that even in our most desperate moments, God is present, and His purposes are greater than our immediate pain.
The Feeling of Forsakenness
David’s opening cry, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” echoes Jesus’ own words on the cross (Matthew 27:46). This heartfelt expression of anguish resonates with anyone who has felt abandoned by God in times of suffering. Yet even in his despair, David clings to God, addressing Him as “my God.” This shows that faith can coexist with honest cries of pain.
Reflection: Are there moments in your life when you’ve felt forsaken or distant from God? How can you hold onto faith in those times, trusting that He hears your cries?
Supporting Scripture:
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
The Prophetic Picture of the Cross
Psalm 22 contains vivid imagery that directly foreshadows the crucifixion of Christ. Verses like “They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment” (Psalm 22:18) and “All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads” (Psalm 22:7) describe details fulfilled at the cross (see Matthew 27:35–43).
This prophetic accuracy reveals God’s sovereign plan for redemption, reminding us that even in suffering, His purposes are being fulfilled. Jesus’ death on the cross wasn’t the end of the story—it was the beginning of victory over sin and death.
Reflection: How does knowing that Christ’s suffering was part of God’s redemptive plan bring you comfort in your own trials?
Supporting Scripture:
“Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities.” (Isaiah 53:4–5)
Faith in the Midst of Suffering
Despite the overwhelming despair described in the first half of the psalm, David does not lose sight of God’s character. He recalls God’s faithfulness to the generations before him:
“In you our ancestors put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them.” (Psalm 22:4)
This shift from lament to trust is a reminder for us to reflect on God’s past faithfulness as an anchor for our present trials. Even when God feels distant, He is working for our good and His glory.
Reflection: In what ways has God shown His faithfulness to you in the past? How can reflecting on those moments strengthen your trust in Him now?
Supporting Scripture:
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22–23)
Christ’s Identification with Our Suffering
One of the most powerful truths of Psalm 22 is that it points us to a Savior who understands our pain. Jesus experienced the ultimate feeling of abandonment so that we could be reconciled to God. He endured suffering, rejection, and death, and yet His victory on the cross assures us that our suffering is not the end of the story.
Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus endured suffering on your behalf bring you comfort and hope?
Supporting Scripture:
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)
The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan
Sunday, January 26, 2025
EXODUS 2:11-3:22, MATTHEW 17:10-27, PSALM 22:1-18, PROVERBS 5:7-14
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