Dear God,
Where do we go from here?
(Psalm 22)
“Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord. They will proclaim his righteousness, declaring to a people yet unborn: He has done it!”
— Psalm 22 : 30-31
Discussion Question
The fear of abandonment by someone we love is among our first fears. David’s isolation is compounded by the scorn and despise of everyone, causing him to cry “I am a worm and not a man” (verse 6). Have you ever lost communication with someone important at a crucial time? What was that like?
Jesus cried out Psalm 22:1 when he was hanging from the cross, saying “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46. See also John 19:23-30; Luke 23:35). Imagine that Psalm 22 was Jesus’ chosen “Dear God” letter right before his death; what strikes you about this letter?
David questioned God, yet he had faith that his agony is not the end of the story. He looked back in memory of God’s faithfulness (verses 3-5) and looked forward in hope of God’s rule over nations (verses 22-31). What is one way your prayers can be more like Psalm 22?
Read Galatians 2:20. Remembering what Jesus had done for us on the cross, what would you say to him in response to Psalm 22? “Dear Jesus…”
Personal Reflection
David could not have known the level of detail to which his Psalm 22 would be fulfilled by his Savior on the cross. “He has done it!” (verse 31). Imagine that David is talking to Jesus in heaven about Psalm 22. What do you think David would say to Jesus?
