God Hears Us in Our Affliction Psalm 22

3 Goals: 1. To be reminded of Biblical Lament, and that God wants to hear from us and will help us in our affliction. 2. To strengthen our faith in the truthfulness of the gospel. 3. To encourage us with the hope of the gospel, and Christ's amazing love for us. What is Biblical lament? - A prayer, in pain, that leads to trust. - A journey of the heart, in faith, with God from beginning to end. The "journey" of Biblical Lament has 4 parts: Turn, Complain, Ask, and Trust 1. Turn: Turn to God in prayer, and be honest with Him about how you feel 2. Complain: Tell God your reasons for pain and confusion The "journey" of Biblical Lament has 4 parts: Turn, Complain, Ask, and Trust 3. Ask: Boldly ask God to act, according to His character and promises 4. Trust: Reaffirm Who you know God to be, and choose to trust Him The "journey" of Biblical Lament in Psalm 22: 1. Turn: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (vv. 1-2) 2. Complain: "I am scorned and despised" (vv. 3-10) "A company of evildoers encircles me" (vv. 12-18) The "journey" of Biblical Lament in Psalm 22: 3. Ask: "Be not far from me" (v. 11) "Save me!" (vv. 19-21) 4. Trust: "He has not despised the afflicted, and has not hidden his face from him, but He has heard." (vv. 22-31) Goal #2: To strengthen our faith in the truthfulness of gospel. Goal #3: To encourage us with the hope of the gospel, and Christ's amazing love for us. 1. Remember what Jesus endured for you. 2. Remember the hope of the resurrection. (Hebrews 5:7) 3. Remember that Jesus knows what it feels like to face affliction and feel like God has forsaken you. (Hebrews 4:15