Reading Psalm 22 invariably takes you to the cross. It is the experience of Jesus’ last hours foretold centuries earlier by David. Most often, I read the psalm and find myself entering into the suffering of Messiah as I read David’s dirge concerning One forsaken of God (22:1) . . . despised by men (22:6) . . . poured out like water (22:!4) . . . encircled by a company of evildoers (22:16) . . . pierced for our transgressions (22:16, Isa. 53:5).

But this morning, beyond again imagining all that the Savior endured on my behalf, I was struck also by the second half of the psalm. And while there is greater application to the suffering Savior, I was struck that it is an encouragement to all who find themselves in that place where they are going through the ringer . . . where they feel they are forsaken. And encouragement that God is a rescuer . . . that He who might be “far off” for a season will draw near . . . and that, when He does, pain gives way to praise.

A brother shared his testimony at our last men’s monthly breakfast. While many of us knew this guy . . . had sat around the Word with this guy . . . and been blessed by this guy’s love for the Lord and warmth toward the brethren . . . none of us were prepared for what he was to share. The early chapters of his life were heart-breaking . . . the chapters that followed were marked with significant tragedy . . . but the story he was living now was proclamation and praise. Proclamation of God’s faithfulness . . . praise for God’s sustaining grace.

I will tell of Your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise You: You who fear the LORD, praise Him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify Him, and stand in awe of Him, all you offspring of Israel! For He has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and He has not hidden His face from him, but has heard, when he cried to Him.   (Psalm 22:22-24 ESV)

There is a depth of worship that results only from the reality of rescue. When, in Him, we find the balm for our pain . . . when, by Him, we are sustained in the storm . . . when, because of Him, we believe that all things work together for good according to His purpose. It is the worship of those who have been through the trial . . . who have endured the fire . . . and have, by God’s grace, emerged a little more refined. It is the worship of those who have experienced the promise . . .

The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek Him shall praise the LORD! May your hearts live forever!   (Psalm 22:26 ESV)

And, as I read these words in Psalm 22 this morning, it’s as if Jesus stands in the midst of this congregation of one and reminds me, whom He would call brother, of the wondrous Name of our saving and sustaining God. And so, God the Son . . . declares the praise of God the Father . . . through God the Spirit . . . and urges me to do likewise.

Praise Him! . . . you who fear the LORD. Glorify Him! . . . you who are born of the promise to the patriarchs. Stand in awe of Him . . . you who are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1Peter 2:9).

The degrees vary . . . that stories differ . . . but, that pain is part of the process, is evident. That the pain might result in praise . . . that deliverance might produce declaration of the God who will never leave us nor forsake us . . . that the struggle might bear the fruit of exalting worship of our God.

For His glory . . .