My God, My God! (Psalm 22)

David mistakenly accuses God of abandoning him in his darkest hour, something Christ willing endures in order that he might draw near to his people in love and save them.

• David’s Accusation Against God (vv. 1-18)

• David’s Confession of Yahweh’s Love (vv. 19-31)

• Abandoned by God (Matthew 27:46)

• Discerning Yahweh’s Presence in Affliction

Discussion Starters

Monday—Do you have nicknames for anyone? Are they people you are close to or those you barely know? How does our use of names reect how close we are to someone or how we are feeling about that person at a particular time? How does David’s refusal to call God Yahweh in the first 18 verses show how he is feeling?

Tuesday—What is David’s basic state of mind in the beginning of this Psalm? Does he feel like he has been treated fairly or unfairly? Do you ever feel that way?

Wednesday—What changes in verse 19 (and following)? Why is David more optimistic and content? Have his circumstances changed? Has God changed? What has? Have you ever had an experience like that?

Thursday—How does God respond to the accusations that David makes in his hurt and anger? Do you treat others that way when they speak to you in hurt and anger?

Friday—How does Psalm 22 call you to understand afiction in your life? Is it proof that God does not love you or that he has abandoned you? Are there ways in which we can even say that suffering is necessary? How?