Published 4/8/20
Read Psalm 22:14-21
"I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it is melted within my breast; my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you lay me in the dust of death. For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet-- I can count all my bones--they stare and gloat over me; they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots. But you, O Lord, do not be far off! O you my help, come quickly to my aid! Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dog! Save me from the mouth of the lion! You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen!"
Reflect
What are some struggles you are experiencing? Even when you don't know how to pray, God knows what's going on--and He knows exactly what you need. Do you believe this? Why is it important to ask others to pray with you?
When David prayed Psalm 22 he was in serious trouble. The happy days he'd experienced earlier in his life were a distant memory. This day was bleak because of people who were out to get him. He wasn't sure he'd live to see tomorrow.
No doubt we all know what it's like to be on the ropes. Friends betray. Pets die. Marriages fail. Jobs end. Bank accounts dry up. And in the midst of it all, sometimes we feel abandoned by God. We cry out in anguish and, at times, the only thing we experience is silence. Life on a defective planet is marked by setbacks such as these. Expect them. David learned to. The episode that prompted Psalm 22 was only one of many in the king's life.
Accept the Lord by faith as a fact. As Christ-followers, He lives within us every second of every day. The Reverend Billy Graham reminded us that "He is living in you in order to magnify, glorify, and exalt Christ in you so that you can live a happy, victorious, radiant, and Christ-honoring life." Never lose sight of this.
Pray
Lord Jesus, I believe in You and I trust You. I know that God is good. I'm hurting, and I need you now more than ever. Please bring a healing touch. Amen
Portions of this study were adapted from Michael Ross, Prayer (Uhrichsville.: Barbour, 2016). Pastor and writer Greg Asimakoupoulos contributed to this devotional entry.