stephen R Harrison

“The One Who Hears and Responds”

“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

Suffering is something we all encounter in this life that no one enjoys. Grief, loss, sorrow, pain, and much more abound in everyone’s life. Both my parents suffered in the last few years of their lives with Parkinson’s disease. My mom’s tremors, dementia, and inability to walk and feed herself caused her to be depressed and hopeless at times. My dad was very similar. Both prayed daily the Lord would heal and help them, and they never lost faith in God even though they didn’t see physical healing in this lifetime. At times, both told me they felt God was “a million miles away”. Although they knew he wasn’t, their feelings and emotions were often swayed by their physical pain. Some of their last words to me were, “I love Jesus and can’t wait to be with him.”

How can someone have such peace and trust amid severe suffering? Jesus experienced suffering, hears us when we pray to him about our suffering, and knows how to respond to it. Psalm 22 is one of the most famous because it contains the Scripture Jesus quoted on the cross. The psalm begins, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Jesus said this while being crucified (Matthew 27:46), and it is an example and encouragement for us. Being fully human, Jesus experienced suffering in various forms as we would. He completely understands what it’s like to suffer and feel like God is a million miles away.

The Good News is God is ever-present (Psalm 46:1). He is always near when we are in pain (Psalm 34:18). Psalm 22 begins with “My God why have you forsaken me?” (v. 1) but ends with “He has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one” (v. 24a). In verse 2, David wrote, “My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest”, but he received hope in verse 24b, “He has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.” Jesus knew this Psalm when he quoted the first verse of it while on the cross. He knew God would raise him on the third day, but he still suffered. Death was absolute after his horrendous torture. We must not discount his suffering and pain even though He experienced resurrection. 

Jesus’ suffering didn’t end with hopelessness. He was not overlooked or unheard. God did not despise or scorn him. Jesus suffered, cried out to the Father, and was raised from the dead. While suffering, David remembered God’s character. His mercy, provision, and compassion were evident. Although he may feel far away during suffering, he is not. We can have complete hope and trust the Lord in the deepest pain. He will not turn away from us. While we are not guaranteed a suffering-free life, we are guaranteed God will be with us, hear us, and ultimately deliver us eternally from all suffering and pain. May we experience his comforting presence and peace during Lent.

Questions: 

As you experience suffering, are you experiencing the Lord?

Do your feelings and emotions override the character of God and the truth of His Word?

Prayer:

Jesus, thank you for hearing our cries during suffering and for never turning away from us. You suffered in every way and died, yet God raised you to give us hope of salvation. When we experience suffering, we will remember your eternal promises and keep a Kingdom perspective. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

Read: 

Psalm 22:1-2, 21-31

Action Step:

List Scriptures that give you hope during suffering. Call someone experiencing pain, sorrow, or loss. Encourage them with God’s Word and pray with them.