I knew that Jesus on the cross quoted a verse from this psalm as he died but I got quite a surprise when I was led to read it this morning. I read it in The Message version and I could see that it described some people that I know. The writer starts by crying out God why have you not helped me. I have cried out to you night and day but you have not answered me. How many of us have done that? Faced a problem and wondered why we do not have an answer. We know other people in the olden days have trusted in God and had answers so did not end up disappointed. We look ourselves and see a worm despised by men who mock and hurl insults at us. Crumbs, this writer knows where we are doesn’t he?

The writer suggests that he was taught to trust in God as a baby and even helped to trust in God before he was born yet at the moment, he just cannot see where God is helping him. His description of the problems that surround him could reflect a number of situations. What about someone who was surrounded by creditors demanding their money? They might leave someone feeling as though surrounded by strong animals. Letters, phone calls, telemessages all wanting them to pay money that the do not have. Not only that but some of them were not only making a noise but threatening to rip them apart. Wow that speaks to me of what it must be like when someone threatens to send in the bailiffs.

The idea of being so dry that there is nothing else to give could refer to having cried so much that there are no tears left. The once stout heart that could stand up and fight again has melted, as there are just so many things that have come against it. We then come to an interesting section. In verse 16, it talks about having hands and feet pierced. In verse 17, it talks about people staring and gloating. In verse 18, it talks about dividing garments and even casting lots for clothing. This is the bit I knew was here as all these things happened to Jesus. I don’t know about you but I have had times when the first part of this psalm could have described my life. However, none of my experiences have gone as far as verses 16 to 18. They say that the darkest time is just before the dawn. It is supposed to be something that comforts those in facing difficulties but what happens when it gets even darker and the dawn still does not come.

In this situation, it is at the darkest point that something does happen to change the situation. It is not clear from this passage exactly what but somehow everything changes. Whatever has happened God is seen as having organised, as He is the one who is getting the praise for it. God is seen as finally listening to the cry of the suffering one for help. There are all sorts of things that could be seen as the way out of troubles. For some in financial difficulty it could be a new job so their income increases. For others it could be visiting the Citizen’s Advice Bureau (or other organisation that offers free financial advice) and getting help to develop a spending plan that includes repaying their debts. Whatever the change actually is, it is a cause for rejoicing because it is a way out. What is their reaction to this change in circumstances? They say thank you to God and start trusting him again and encouraging others to trust him. They were poor and struggling and God rescued them and changed their circumstances so they have a lot to celebrate. They found out the hard way that they could not survive living without God and the support He gave them. Psalm 22 reflects the heartbeat of Lily the Pink Ministries. Every beat of its heart wants to see people set free from the things that bind them. All that remains now is to work out exactly what way this can be achieved. Lily the Pink