I think the worst feeling in the world is the feeling you get when you think God has left you. The words of Psalm 22 are spoken by Jesus as He hung on the Cross, bearing all our sin. As you read this psalm, listen for some of the feelings that Jesus might have experienced in His moments of separation, His first moments. There is a strange tension between belief and this feeling of aloneness and abandonment. He feels the lowest of the low (v6). He is mocked (v7). But he feels like his life has a purpose, even from its first moments (vv9-10). He feels surrounded by those who would attack and kill him (vv12 & 16). His bones are exposed (vv14 & 17). Despite what he feels, he knows he is not abandoned (v24). And all this results in the LORD’s reputation being expanded (vv30-31).
Psalm 52 provides a quick contrast between someone who seeks evil, and a righteous person. And sandwiched in the center verse (5-7) is God’s judgment on the evil people. What kind of person do you want to be? The evil person uses their mouths to bring destruction (vv1-4). The voice of the righteous is focused on praise (v9).
The LORD speaks to the leaders of the nation of Israel in Psalm 82. They are referred to as “gods”, little “g” (vv1 & 6). They are not doing a very good job of reflecting the character of God. It is not that they have become gods, but that as the LORD’s representative, they should be reflecting His character of justice and mercy. Instead, they are acting unjustly, allowing their power to go their heads. They should be sticking up for the little guy, the one who can’t speak for themselves. We should be doing nothing less.
It pays to be righteous (Ps 112). This doesn’t mean you will win the lottery. Far from it! We will have eternal benefits, guaranteed. We might hold positions of power in the society (v2). We might have material wealth (v3). We will have enough resources to be able to lend to others (v5). We will stand solid even in the face of bad news (vv6-8). And when the wicked see our lives and the results of righteousness, the result of their own selfishness will land on them (v10). It sure sounds like righteousness has the better benefit package.
Rescue from outside enemies and inside struggles. That is what Psalm 142 captures. The psalmist takes his emptiness and brings it to the LORD. He cries out in His presence. He talks of feeling like he is walking through a minefield (v3). He feels alone (v4). He feels like he is in prison (v7) because of these internal and external struggles. Do you ever feel captive to circumstances or your own internal dialogue? You have company.
The Arnold Journey 