Faith anchors our dependence on God when we are being pulled down by the currents of desperation. In Part 2 of this devotional series of Psalm 22, David continues his lamentation unto God in the midst of his great suffering at the hand of his enemies. As mentioned in Part 1, this Psalm is also a prefigurative symbol of the literal suffering of Jesus Christ on this cross. For example, when David says of his foes, “…they have pierced my hands and feet (17) I can count all my bones they stare and gloat of me; (18) They divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots” (v16-18). Comparatively, the Gospel records Jesus “literal” fulfillment of David’s prophetic words in these ways:
- Jesus’ hands and feet were pierced by the Romans (Mk 15:21-24, Lk 24:39, Jn 20:24-27).
- None of his bones were broken on the cross (Jn 19:31-33).
- The Jews gloated over and mocked him as he suffered (Lk 23:35-38).
- Romans soldiers cast lots over the seamless tunic (clothing) he had on (Jn 19:23-24).
David expressed feelings of being outnumbered and overpowered by his enemies similarly as Jesus was in his crucifixion. David describes the power of his foes in two ways:
- They had the strength of animals who were powerful in their stride and violent force.He likens them to “…strong bulls of Bashan” which were known for their power and size (cf. Amos 4:1).
- They outnumbered and laid siege against him like a mighty army against a fortified city. According to David, his enemies were like scavenging, pack-hunting dogs who surrounded wounded prey and waited for them to die, so they could then tear into their flesh, thus he says, “For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircle me” (v16).
The onslaught of these attacks diluted David’s strength (i.e., poured out like water); and produced a faint disposition within (i.e., my heart is like wax). He cries out to the Lord, for his weaknesses are great as his adversaries were stronger than he, thus he pleads with God, “my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you lay me in the dust of death” (v15).
Reflection: How often are you and I beaten down by life? There are some seasons where it seems our troubles are coming from all sides. Like in the Story of Job, just as we seem to be face to face with one problem, another is already upon us. Attacks of this nature and strength can cause us to feel overwhelmed. Sometimes the sheer anxiety of the peril we face can paralyze us and cause us to feel faint not only in our faith, but our physical constitution. All that is left is our mind and heart that should cry out of God in the weariness and weakness of the soul, “O Lord, help me!”, “I have no strength to stand in the face of it……..Please, Lord……..I can’t bear it any longer……If you don’t do something, I fear I will perish.” A fear of being distant (even separated) from God begins to grow in these moments. Even Jesus (as he experienced the full magnitude and weight of bearing our sin on the cross) cried out, “…My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ (Mt 27:46).
Take heart my friends. God delivers his children out of their troubles. He has promised to never leave nor forsake us (cf. Deut 31:6, Jn 14:18). Though the afflictions of trial persist for a while, it will not endure because of our great God! Though (it appears) the enemies of the cross have their strength and gloat over our weaknesses, our deliverer will bring to nothing their works and words. We should embrace the promise that Solomon clearly understood, “Be he who is joined with all the living has a hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion. (5) For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing, and they have no reward, for the memory of them is forgotten. (6) Their love and their hate and their envy have already perished, and forever they have no more share in all that is done under the sun” (Ecc 9:4-6). Remember Apostle Paul who suffered imprisonments, beatings, being shipwrecked; dangers from robbers, the Jews, false teachers; frequently suffering fatigue and weariness, anxiety, and sicknesses, yet, he boldly proclaimed this encouragement to a young preacher (Timothy), “….yet from them all the Lord rescued me” (2 Tim 3:11).
God is our only hope. Sometimes God allows difficult seasons in our lives so we may come to know this truth. Because of Christ, nothing can separate you and I from the love of God in all of creation. Nothing (Rom 8:31-39).
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Thank you for sharing Gods Word , for encouragement.