A Face Like Flint

EIBC Devotional #21 - “A Face Like Flint”

Emerald Isle Baptist Church

Pastor Zach Emory

Scripture - Psalm 22:1-5

1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning?

2 O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer; and by night, but find no rest.

3 Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.

4 In you our ancestors trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them.

5 To you they cried, and were saved; in you they trusted, and were not put to shame.

Psalm 22 is a powerful text in which the psalmist demonstrates 1) A raw sense of abandonment by God and deliverance into the hands of his enemies and 2) A reaffirmation of his hope in God and ultimate deliverance into divine hands. Jesus echoed the words of v. 1 on the cross during his own persecution. We ourselves may find that we connect deeply to these sentiments. We have enemies of our own, opposition that belittles or persecutes or misunderstands us. Sometimes they are external forces and sometimes our own inner dialogue. Unfortunately we may feel the forces of darkness opposing us for our faith in Christ. The Psalmist reminds us that when we feel like God has left us to our demise, or it feels like our enemies surround us to devour us, we can trust in the Lord. We will be saved and not put to shame no matter how dire the situation seems. When Jesus cried out on the cross, “Why have you forsaken me?” God’s answer was, “I haven’t,” and resurrected him to life. We have that same hope, and we know that the Light will always win.

Questions for Reflection

Where do you currently feel opposition in your own life?

How might you face your enemies with boldness?

Prayer - Heavenly Father, I affirm Your presence with me even when my situation feels hopeless. I trust You to deliver me from any opposition I may encounter. Amen.