Psalms for a Pandemic Summer 1: Psalm 22

Psalms for a Pandemic Summer 1  Psalm 22 

The Psalms can be a source of healing and hope for us, as they have been for people down through the centuries.  The Psalms are brutally honest about our human condition and exuberantly hopeful about God’s ability to save us.  They give us permission and space to rail about our most heartfelt troubles and an assurance that God’s love and care will overcome all our earthly woes.  

My first exposure to the Psalms came before I could read when each Sunday the worship service included a Responsive Psalm.  My mother would whisper in my ear the next response so I could say the phrase along with the rest of the congregation.  I didn’t pay too much attention to what I was saying.  When I began to choose Psalms for worship, I found them uncomfortable.  Some of the anger and vengeance they expressed didn’t seem to belong in worship.  It was tempting to skip those parts and stick to the Psalms of praise.  I once suggested in the hearing of a teenager that perhaps we should skip the Psalm altogether but he replied that the Psalm was his favourite part of the service.  What is it in these ancient words that still speaks to the depths of our hearts? 

 Psalm 22

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

                Why are you so far from helping me?

Our forbearers trusted in you.

                They trusted, and you did deliver them.

They cried out to you and were delivered;

                They trusted in you and were not confounded.

Be not far from me for trouble is near.

                There is none to help me.

I am poured out like water; my strength has dried up

                And you have brought me to the dust of the death.

But be not far from me, O God;

                O my strength, hasten to help me.

I will declare your name to the people;

                In the midst of the congregation, I will praise you.