Food for Thought by David Jackson

Faith does not depend on outcomes (Psalm 22:16-24)

Holidays are hard for those who have suffered loss. The first time of celebration without a loved one who has always been there feels sad, not at all like a time of joy. We should be mindful of those who approach this season for the first time since the loss of someone who was dear to them.

Psalm 22 shows the reality of facing trouble with faith, and the trustworthiness of God who is with us through it all. It is a reminder that we face nothing that Jesus did not endure, and God knows every challenge we encounter. The combined promises of Hebrews 13:5-6 (from Deut. 31:6 and Psalm 118:6,7) were written to Christians who were suffering because of their faith: “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’”

We know that emotional distress can produce physical symptoms. The psalmist compares his grief with being in a terrible situation (vv. 12-18). He is fearful, as if he were surrounded by a pack of wild dogs and evil men. His worry causes physical pain, as if his hands and feet were injured. He feels ashamed, as if his emaciated body were exposed to a jeering crowd. He feels exposed, as if enemies were taking possession of his clothing.

Yet, in all this misery, he appeals to the Lord, calling him “my Strength,” asking him to come quickly to the rescue. Does that sound like he is forsaken by God (v. 1)? Look at how temporary feelings (sadness, depression) can exist alongside abiding faith! He appeals, “Deliver me…rescue me…save me.” Here is faith in a God who does not ever desert us, who hears our prayers, and who responds with just what we need in the time we need it.

The result of stubborn, persistent faith like this is expressed as praise of God that is announced to all who will listen (vv. 22-24). “He has not despised or disdained [my] suffering…but has listened…” What a relief it is to receive the aid of such a God as this! One of the most important elements in receiving comfort is to know that we are heard. The Bible assures us many times that the One who made us and loves us, also hears us when we call to him.

If we are not facing such troubles just now, then we are certainly able to rejoice in the season. Now is exactly the right time to nourish and build the kind of faith that will bear us up in terrible times when they come. Unshakable trust in God must be fed before the tough times come, so we can rely on that faith during our suffering.

At this time of year, Christian people must think of those who are depressed and reach out to them. We don’t need to go to them with “the right thing to say” (such a thing doesn’t exist!), but to simply be with them, listening to them, whatever they need to say. The Apostle Paul says it this way: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God” (2 Cor. 1:3-4).