Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 22:9-18
Ps 22:9-18
Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you even at my mother's breast. From birth I was cast upon you; from my mother's womb you have been my God. Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help. Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. Roaring lions tearing their prey open their mouths wide against me. I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within me. My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death. Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me; they have pierced my hands and my feet. I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me. They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.
This Psalm is clearly one of the Messianic Psalms that has a dual meaning. It had its original meaning with David in all of his trials and the many times he faced death but was delivered by God. Few people have lived at the depths of despair, and faced the certainty of death, to have then lived at the heights of splendor, honor, and glory that David lived in his lifetime. He trusted God in it all.
Jesus went from the triumphal entry on Sunday, with the crowds hailing him as the King of Israel, the promised Messiah, to the same crowd screaming for his crucifixion later that same week. Even one of his chosen twelve went from his closest friend to his enemy that betrayed him with a kiss. Peter, who promised to fight with him for his life, denied that he had ever known “the man,” Jesus.
While the details may not fit you and me, we can identify with the ups and downs of life. We can see the many times we are on a really big high, only to find that we have quickly fallen to the depths of despair and maybe like Judas or Peter, we deny that we know Jesus or betray him with a smile and a kiss.
David went from here to become the greatest king Israel ever knew. Jesus was put to death but rose from the grave, to be exalted to the right hand of God. We may be down or facing real trials in life, but we have not seen the end of what God is doing with us and for us. We like Jesus and David must continue to trust God.
Heavenly Father, you are so wonderful, so kind, so compassionate and I am so thrilled to be your child. Thank you for your grace, prompted by your love that has allowed me to be forgiven of all the sin in my life. Give me a pure heart and a steadfast spirit so I will be faithful to you, no matter what I face. Thank you for the many times you have lifted me from the miry pit and set me on your Rock. Use me to help others in their struggles as they seek to know you and to serve you. Be near to those who are hurting so they feel your presence. In Jesus name.
Robert
