Psalm 22 was a gift on Sunday.
In our conversation we saw how each of us will experience pain, loss, darkness, and the seeming absence of God. We talked through the historical conversation of “dark nights of the soul” and “dark nights of the senses” but ultimately leaned in with Hope again at the reality of the gospel events and the reign of Jesus.
As we reflect on our time together don’t forget - In the midst of dark seasons, we will find ourselves lamenting, crying out in desperation and confusion. It's like being lost in a fog, unsure of which way to turn. But just as David's lament turns to praise in Psalm 22, we're reminded that even our deepest cries are heard by God. In our brokenness, we discover a glimpse of Jesus, who walked the path of suffering before us and offers us a way forward, not devoid of pain, but infused with the hope of resurrection and new life. I can’t tell you how long the darkness will last, but I can tell you it doesn’t win.
Looking back, we can see how David's experience foreshadows the suffering and triumph of Jesus Christ. Jesus, too, cried out on the cross, quoting the words of Psalm 22. In His darkest hour, He bore the weight of our sins and experienced the agony of separation from God, fulfilling the prophecy of David's psalm and paving the way for our redemption.
The events of the gospel offer a historical hope as the violent waves of circumstances batter us and leave our vision of God blurred.
If you are in a dark space as you read this, look back at the events of the gospel, look around at the community and ask for help, and look forward to the day when pain and loss are dealt their final death blow at the restoration.
Next Steps
Cry out to God. He is not put off by your pain, anger, frustration, or point of view.
Cry out with friends. There are multiple resources across Missio who aren’t looking to fix you, but will pray, lament, and walk with you in seasons of darkness.
Remember, Dark Nights of the Soul don’t mean you’ve done something wrong, but seem to be part of the experience of following God and nurturing faith in the experience of Christians.
The Arc of the story is from death to life. Continue to rehearse the story in its entirety even as the shadows close in.
Make Psalm 22 a meditation text for you. Revisit it often. Let that prayer give shape to your own.