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Date: March 28

Read: Psalm 22

Devotion:
Psalm 22 is honestly a hard read at first. It starts with David crying out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” I think sometimes, we forget that the Bible doesn’t hide feelings like that. It actually gives us permission to bring them to God. David isn’t holding anything back from God here. He feels abandoned, surrounded, and completely overwhelmed. There have been moments in our lives where God felt really close, and everything made sense, and then other times where it feels like He’s completely silent; when praying felt like nothing was happening, or trying to trust Him felt overwhelming.

What gets us through this passage, however, is that David doesn’t just stop there. He doesn’t just sit in that feeling of abandonment. He starts remembering who God is. He talks about how God has been faithful before, how people trusted Him and were delivered. His situation didn’t instantly change, but his focus did.

It’s also really beautiful knowing also that Jesus quoted this exact line on the cross in Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34. That means that even Jesus experienced that deep, painful feeling of distance. So when we feel that way, we can know that we are not alone in it.

This Psalm is a reminder that it’s okay to bring God all of our emotions. But it’s also a reminder not to just stay stuck in those feelings. Even when we feel like God is far away, it doesn’t mean that He actually is. Sometimes faith just looks like choosing to remember who God is, even when our thoughts and emotions feel messy, and knowing that God desires to be with us through those difficult times.

Reflect:

  • When have you felt like God was distant, and what did that look like for you?
  • What helps you remember God’s faithfulness when your feelings don’t match it?

Pray:
God, thank You that I never have to hide how I’m feeling from You. You know my heart. Help me to trust You even when I feel distant. Remind me of who You are and how You’ve been faithful before. Stay close to me and help me to stay close to You. Amen.

Fcc Devotional Series
The Road to Resurrection