1. Verses 1-2: The psalm begins with a cry of anguish and abandonment: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?”
2. Verses 3-5: Despite feeling forsaken, it acknowledges God’s holiness and the past faithfulness of their ancestors. They express trust in God’s character and salvation.
3. Verses 6-8: describes feelings of scorn and ridicule from others, as people mock and taunt them for their faith in God.
4. Verses 9-11: recounts their reliance on God from birth and pleads for His continued presence and deliverance.
5. Verses 12-18: describes their enemies’ actions, using metaphorical language that resembles the suffering of the righteous servant. This section prophetically foreshadows the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
6. Verses 19-21: returns to a plea for God’s help and deliverance from the adversaries who surround them.
7. Verses 22-31: The psalm concludes with a shift in tone, transitioning from distress to praise. The psalmist exalts God’s power, sovereignty, and faithfulness. They declare that future generations will hear of God’s goodness and worship Him.

My applications:

• When I face feelings of abandonment or distress, I can find solace in the example of honestly pouring out their heart to God, knowing that He hears and understands my cries.
• Even in the midst of suffering and ridicule, I can choose to acknowledge God’s holiness and faithfulness, trusting that He is with me in every situation.
• The dependence on God from birth reminds me of the significance of nurturing a lifelong relationship with Him and seeking His guidance in all areas of my life.
• The portrayal of Christ-like suffering in this psalm reminds me of Jesus’ sacrificial love for humanity and the assurance that He understands my pain.
• The shift from distress to praise inspires me to maintain an attitude of worship and thanks, even in challenging circumstances, knowing that God is worthy of all honor and glory.