The Song of the King and His Apostles | Psalm 22 | 18 January 2026 |10am

In this sermon, Shane Dirks unpacks Psalm 22 alongside Matthew 27, showing how the psalm’s cry of “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus on the cross. He explores the tension between human emotion and theological truth, encouraging listeners to engage both heart and mind in times of suffering. Rather than focusing on “why me,” the message reframes the question to “why you,” directing attention to God’s character—holy, faithful, and attentive throughout history. The sermon emphasises that while circumstances may not immediately change, a shift in perspective toward dependence on God leads from despair to confident declaration, grounded in the death and resurrection of Jesus. 5 Questions to Think About: When facing hardship, do I focus more on “why me” or on who God is (“why you”)? How do I hold together what I feel and what I know to be true about God? In what ways have I experienced my dependence on God, especially in difficult times? How does Jesus’ use of Psalm 22 on the cross shape my understanding of suffering? What would it look like for me to move from despair to declaration in my current situation? 3 Key Takeaways: Suffering is a normal part of life, but it is meant to draw us into deeper dependence on God. God’s character remains constant—holy, faithful, and attentive—even when circumstances are difficult. True peace comes not from changed circumstances, but from trusting God and declaring His goodness.