Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. Roaring lions tearing their prey open their mouths wide against me. I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within me. My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death (Psalm 22:12-15).

I totally get David here.

After all, I teach middle school–the Bulls of Bashan are coming for me in about a week.

You could read this Psalm and think, “Well, no matter how bad things get for me, David had it worse!” And, that may be true, but I don’t think that’s the direction we’re supposed to go here. That way lies comparison and spiritual one-upsmanship. No bueno.

I think these verses are less about comparing our troubles to his than about comparing our God to his.

Same God

Same God!!

The One David cried out to is the One who hears you this morning. The One who called the apple of his eye calls you Beloved.

And he will come for you.

This Psalm isn’t over.

Neither is yours.

Happy Tuesday, Beloved.