Song of Mourning and Dancing
Psalm 22
We welcomed a new baby recently, and nothing describes our current season of life better than the term “mourning and dancing.” A new child is such a generous, joyous, and miraculous blessing. You get to experience firsthand what it means to be fearfully and wonderfully made as you hold your child for the first time. There is so much gained in parenthood, but there is also much that is lost. There is bloodshed and physical pain. There is a loss of autonomy and freedom. There is a loss of sleep and what feels like a loss of identity. It is the most tender season, cherishing something so precious while also losing all you once knew.
In Psalm 22, we see David also walking the line between mourning and dancing, and there is a lot we can glean from his vulnerability. As Christians, we must learn to suffer well. We must remember that It’s okay to honestly express our feelings to God. David doesn't hold back in expressing his deep emotions, including feelings of abandonment and distress. It's okay to bring our raw and unfiltered emotions to Him, trusting that He can handle our struggles and doubts. As we process this, I want to point us to some truths we see in this Psalm:
We must trust in God's Faithfulness. Despite the intense suffering expressed, in the end, David expresses trust in God's faithfulness. The psalm moves from a cry of despair to a declaration of confidence in God's deliverance. We can trust God even in the darkest moments, knowing that He is ultimately in control and faithful to His promises.
God's Sovereignty Over Circumstances. The psalm highlights God's sovereignty over all circumstances, even in the face of intense suffering. It acknowledges that God is in control, and His purposes will ultimately be fulfilled. There is freedom in surrendering to God's will and recognizing His overarching plan, even when things seem bleak.
We have a savior who can identify with our suffering. As Jesus was hanging on the cross, He quoted this Psalm (Matthew 27:46). For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15).
Great joy and great sorrow lead us to worship the one, who in anguish, bought our salvation. Our heavenly Father is no stranger to suffering. He is also the one that holds our beautiful, non perishable future in His hands. As you process today's scripture, would you dance in the truth of the Gospel and honestly bring your lament before the Lord?
