Lent Week 5 || "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" || Psalm 22

Does crying "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" feel biblical, or does it make you seem weak and not strong?

In a culture that really pushes strength over weaknesses, the "fake it till you make it" mindset, and toughing things out alone, lamenting might come across as weakness and a lack of power in a culture that's all about power and doing it all yourself.

However, this week we will see that lament is not weak faith, it is brave faith.

King David's personal lament, Psalm 22, really showcases the honest emotional and spiritual side so typical of Hebrew poetry.

It's cool how we see faith that's super brave, even when things are really tough.

That brave faith still believes our eternal God and Father hears us, even when we don't feel Him there. Lamenting actually leads to victory.  This Psalm is quoted often in worship and art, and it continues to influence how we practice liturgy, music, and theology across different faiths. It's got this awesome balance between sadness and trust that really hits home in prayers about suffering and being saved. 

Actually, Matthew and Mark's gospels even say Jesus quoted its first lines on the cross. In fact, people think verses 11-21 sound just like Jesus' cries of suffering on the cross. Our rejected Lord is surrounded, getting picked on by brutal "bulls, dogs, and lions" – which are metaphors for the people who were happy to see Him die. They just tore Him apart. He's naked, alone, hated, looked down on, and made fun of by those who thought they were strong.

In the Psalm, we see faith that seems really beaten down, even crushed by its enemy, but ultimate victory is still coming because our Savior was heard and an answer did come, as he said, "It is finished."

Reflection & Meditation:

Can I remain in a relationship with God even when I don’t feel His presence?

Practice (Your Turn): Write an honest lament prayer, without filtering; be honest with God about where you are. Express what you are feeling—perhaps you're surrounded by life's complicated issues, feeling alone or abandoned. Maybe this is a tough season in your physical health, finances, parenting, or marriage.