Psalm 22

Psalm 22 (NRSV)
6 But I am a worm, and not human;
scorned by others, and despised by the people.
7 All who see me mock at me;
they make mouths at me, they shake their heads;
8 “Commit your cause to the Lord; let him deliver—
let him rescue the one in whom he delights!”
9 Yet it was you who took me from the womb;
you kept me safe on my mother’s breast.
10 On you I was cast from my birth,
and since my mother bore me you have been my God.
11 Do not be far from me,
for trouble is near
and there is no one to help.

Lord,
The poet is having a bad day, a really bad day! His soul is arena for a grand wrestling match. On the one hand he is struggling with the horrible events of the season and, on the other hand, he is remembering the eternal reality of your care. On the one hand, “I am a worm, and not human.” And on the other hand, “Yet it was you who took me from the womb.” Who am I, worm or child of God?

It was the poet’s soul-struggle and some days it is my struggle. Lord, who am I and who are you? Am I a worm to be ignored or a child whom you delivered into this life? Are you a God who ignores the plight of your people or are you the One who responds with grace and love?

I pray with the poet, “Since my mother bore me you have been my God.” And I continue, “Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.”

PERSONAL PRAYERS:
Give God thanks for being your God and for giving you life.
Confess to God whatever conflict may be present within your soul today.
Name 5 things for which you are grateful and say, “Thank you” to God.
In Christ’s name,
Amen.