My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?
My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest. Psalm 22:1-2
These are the words that Jesus cried out from the cross. King David somehow wrote a song about the suffering Messiah’s suffering on the cross. He foretold the very words Jesus would cry out in desperation. What did Jesus mean by them? It appears that He felt a profound separation from God, the Father, that he had never felt before. He would endure a death He didn’t deserve on our behalf. This is part of the Christmas story too. But, it would not be the final chapter.
Does it bring me comfort knowing that Jesus understands suffering? It does.
God, I thank you that You really do understand what we experience. I pray that you will be more real than ever before to my friends who are suffering the loss of loved ones this Christmas and recovering from illness. Bless Rick and Kelly, George, Stella, Holly, Thomas and others with your presence. Be near. You understand what it feels like to be alone.
