Psalms
Psalm 22
January 25, 2026
Psalm 22 is a Messianic lament that moves from a deep sense of abandonment and suffering to trust, praise, and witness, showing believers how godly lament and prayer—rather than demanding complaints—help hold together facts and feelings, align with God’s providence, and lead to worship.
Summary
Psalm 22, often quoted in the New Testament and echoed in Jesus’ words, combines vivid expressions of pain and a sense of being forsaken with recurring notes of hope and praise; it functions as a Messianic lament that moves from sorrow into petition and then praise. The psalm models godly lament—an honest holding of facts and feelings at the crossroads of grief and faith—so that prayer can lay those realities at the foot of the cross, stir memory of God’s past acts, and restore trust. Understanding “forsaken” requires nuance (God does not abandon his covenant people even as Jesus bore the fate deserved by sin), and the psalm gives believers language for living through seasons of providential suffering. Unlike demanding complaints, true laments lead to worship, witness, and a posture that submits our needs to God’s broader plan.
Key Points
- Psalm 22 is frequently cited in the New Testament and resonates with Jesus’ words.
- The psalm expresses deep suffering and the cry “Why have you forsaken me?” alongside hope and praise.
- It is Messianic in scope and moves from lament into plea and praise.
- Lamenting is essential: it holds together facts and feelings and prevents unhealthy spiritual responses.
- Prayer places the realities of lament at the cross and, by the Spirit, rekindles faith and memory of God’s acts.
- “Forsaken” must be understood carefully—God’s covenant faithfulness persists even as Jesus bore sin’s consequence.
- Psalm 22 provides language for navigating seasons of God’s providence that feel tragic or constricting.
- Laments, unlike demanding complaints, lead believers into worship and effective witness.
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