"“…In the congregation I will Praise You”
Psalm 22 Insights

Monthly Message, July 2010

I periodically read through the book of Psalms. They are the songbook God has given us through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to writers that poured their hearts to God. Psalm 22 has been categorized as one of the “Psalms of Lament.” This Psalm is particularly known for the opening verse which Jesus uttered from the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

The theme of its verses has been summed up as “The Agony of Divine Absence.” Verses such as these,
v. 8 “Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.”
v. 19 “But You, O Lord, be not far off; O my strength, come quickly to help me.”

Even though this is a Psalm of Lament, there are rays of hope in it when the Psalmist recalls God’s faithfulness to His own, even from birth, and claims God’s strength and sustaining power throughout all seasons of life.

v. 9 “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.” Verses 20 & 21 express a progressive cry of help to the Lord,
“Deliver my life from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs. Rescue me from the mouth of the lions; Save me from the horns of the wild oxen.”

And the Psalmist with resolve states,
v. 22 “I will declare Your name to my brothers; in the congregation I will praise You.”

Out of personal experience, the Psalmist encourages others
v. 23 “You who fear the Lord, praise Him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor Him! Revere Him, all you descendants of Israel!”

I strongly believe that congregational worship throughout our churches will be reignited as we recall God’s goodness and deliverance in each of our individual lives in the assembly.

v. 25 “From You comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear You will I fulfill my vows.”

May God’s Holy Spirit continue to stir our hearts as we recognize His work both in our individual lives and in His extension of His Church here at the corner of Cross and Cherry. May we proclaim boldly and unashamedly His wonders in the midst of the congregation.

See you in the great assembly!
Pastor Daniel Elias

Contact Info: Pastor Daniel Elias - Phone 686-0004 or E-mail.