Episode 13: When God Permits the Pain

“Episode 13: When God Permits the Pain” is the featured episode in the series “The Psalms of Ascent: A Lenten Pilgrimage” by Walking with Purpose. In this episode, the focus is on Psalm 22 and its relevance to Holy Week. The hosts, Lisa Bren Meer and Laura Phelps, explore the connection between Psalm 22 and Jesus’ crucifixion, discussing how Jesus quoted parts of the psalm while hanging on the cross. The episode includes teaching and personal application, along with a range of scriptures referenced throughout. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on feeling abandoned by God and struggling to trust in His plan, and are given the suggestion of taking their feelings to the foot of the cross, naming the pain, and choosing a verse from Psalm 22 to pray and memorize for comfort and hope. Overall, this episode provides an opportunity to delve deeper into the meaning behind Holy Week and how it relates to our own experiences of pain and trust in God’s plan.

Episode Overview

Focus on Psalm 22 and its connection to Holy Week

In this episode, we are going to dive deep into Psalm 22 and explore its relevance to Holy Week. We will examine how Jesus quoted parts of this psalm while on the cross and understand the significance of His words. Through teaching and personal application, we will uncover the powerful message of this psalm during this sacred time.

Scripture References

To enhance our understanding of Psalm 22, we will refer to several scripture passages. These include Acts 2:29–36, Matthew 27:46, Hebrews 12:2, Revelation 5:12, Revelation 7:16–17, Revelation 21:3–4, Revelation 21:5, and Colossians 3:16. These passages will provide a broader context and help us see the connections between the Old Testament prophecy and the fulfillment in Jesus’ life and death.

Reflection Questions

As we delve into the theme of feeling abandoned by God and struggling to trust a God who permits pain, we will reflect on two questions. Have you ever felt abandoned by God? Do you struggle to trust in a God who permits your pain? These questions touch on deep and complex emotions that many of us have experienced. By acknowledging these feelings, we can begin to bring them to the foot of the cross and seek God’s perspective and comfort.

Episode 13: When God Permits the Pain

Suggestion for Spiritual Practice

To guide us in processing our feelings of abandonment and pain, we will suggest a spiritual practice. We encourage you to take your feelings and emotions to the foot of the cross. Visualize yourself standing at the foot of the cross, pouring out your heart to Jesus. Use this time to name the pain and express it honestly to God. Lastly, choose a verse from Psalm 22 that resonates with you and pray it repeatedly. By praying and memorizing this verse, you can find comfort and hope in God’s word even amidst the pain.

Recommended Resources

As we explore the depths of Psalm 22 and its connection to Holy Week, we recommend two resources. The first is the book “No Greater Love: A Biblical Walk Through Christ’s Passion” by Dr. Edward Sri. This book provides insights and reflections on the passion of Christ, including the events referenced in Psalm 22. The second resource is the Godspell soundtrack’s song “Turn Back, O Man.” This song powerfully conveys the message of turning to God in times of pain and seeking His deliverance.

Community Discussion

For those who desire further discussion and support, we offer a private Facebook community. This community provides a safe space to share thoughts, ask questions, and seek encouragement from fellow believers. We value the importance of community and believe that journeying together deepens our understanding and connection with God.

About Walking with Purpose

Walking with Purpose is a Catholic women’s apostolate that aims to help women personally know Christ through scripture. They offer Bible studies that delve into the richness of God’s word and provide practical guidance for everyday life. By connecting women to the truth and power of scripture, Walking with Purpose empowers them to live out their faith authentically.

About ‘Hope for Right Now’ Podcast

The ‘Hope for Right Now’ podcast by Walking with Purpose explores various topics related to faith and scripture. The hosts, Lisa Bren Meer and Laura Phelps, share insights, reflections, and practical applications of God’s word. The focus is on women being grounded in hope and understanding the transformative power of God’s word in their lives.

Exploration of Psalm 22

Psalm 22 holds a special significance during Holy Week as it foreshadows the sufferings of Jesus. Although originally written by King David, certain verses within this psalm describe an execution, indicating a prophetic element. Jesus, fully aware of the psalm’s significance and its connection to His own suffering, quoted its first verse while on the cross. By exploring the depths of Psalm 22, we gain a deeper understanding of Jesus’ sacrifice and the profound love He has for humanity.

Finding Comfort in God’s Word

As we meditate on Psalm 22, we can find comfort in God’s word during times of abandonment and pain. By immersing ourselves in this psalm, we can discover verses that resonate with our own experiences. Choose a verse that speaks to your heart and pray it repeatedly, allowing its truth and hope to bring comfort and healing. By turning to God’s word and holding onto His promises, we can navigate through the darkest moments with newfound strength.

By following the guidance and reflections provided in this episode, we have the opportunity to deepen our connection with God, gain a fresh perspective on pain and abandonment, and find comfort and hope in His word. Let us embark on this journey together, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.

Join us for Episode 13 in our seven-week series, The Psalms of Ascent: A Lenten Pilgrimage. In this week’s episode, Lisa and Laura kick off Holy Week by switching things up. Instead of looking at another Psalm of Ascent, we are going to take a deep dive into Psalm 22. What does this psalm have to do with Holy Week? Grab your Bible, a pen, and a notebook, because you, dear friend, are about to find out. Chock full of teaching and personal application, you do not want to miss this episode!

Open your Heart to our key Scripture.

Psalm 22. Plea for Deliverance from Suffering and Hostility. (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/22)

Open your Bible to other Scriptures referenced in this episode.

Acts 2:29–36

Matthew 27:46: And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, la′ma sabach-tha′ni?” that is, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”

Hebrews 12:2: For the joy that was set before him he endured the cross.

Revelation 5:12: Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!

Revelation 7:16–17: They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

Revelation 21:3–4: Behold, the dwelling of God is with men. He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God Himself will be with them; he will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things will have passed away.

Revelation 21:5: Behold, I make all things new!

Colossians 3:16: Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as you teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, and as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Invite Him in with this episode’s questions for reflection.

Have you ever felt abandoned by God?

Do you struggle to trust in a God who permits your pain?

This week, take your feelings to the foot of the cross. Turn to the Lord and name your pain. Then, choose a verse from Psalm 22 that really resonates with you. Find a verse that speaks to your heart, and pray it over and over again; memorize it. Make it your go to in times of trouble—a verse that helps you make that shift from pain to praise.

Don’t forget your FREE Psalm 22 Printable. Love gorgeous free printables? We have more than 25 others to share with you: https://walkingwithpurpose.com/free-p

Show mentions.

Dr. Edward Sri, No Greater Love: A Biblical Walk Through Christ’s Passion

Lisa Brenninkmeyer, I Declares (https://walkingwithpurpose.com/free-p…)

Godspell soundtrack, “Turn Back, O Man”

Dr. Edward Sri

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