This is another example of David making a serious of laments, and then inversely countering those laments a few verses later with pleas and praises.
– “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest.” (v1,2) “For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.” (v24)
– “Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.” (v11) “But you, Lord, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me.” (v19)
– “All my bones are on display; people stare and gloat over me.” (v17) “The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the Lord will praise him – may your hearts live forever!” (v26)
– “Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. Roaring lions that tear their prey open their mouths wide against me.” (v12,13) “Rescue me from the mouth of the lions; save me from the horns of the wild oxen.” (v21)
– “Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet.” (v16) “Deliver me from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs.” (v20)
This is a poetic way of encouraging those (David included) who feel abandoned by God and that the entire world is against them. That can be a legitimate feeling (especially for David who was literally oppressed by entire nations) and David addresses it. He turns this feeling on its head by responding to all of these fears and concerns with reminders of God’s consistent deliverance.
I too have times where I can’t hear the Lord, where His presence feels very far away. The only way through that is to continue drawing near to God and praising Him, even when we feel abandoned. One of my favorite quotes is “When you feel abandoned by God but continue to trust Him, you worship Him in the deepest way.” (Steve Gladen, “Small Groups With Purpose”).
That’s the perspective through which David is approaching these circumstances – “I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly I will praise you. You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!” (v22,23) David continues trusting/worshiping God, and he encouraging his listeners/readers to continue trusting/worshiping God as well. Only then can they experience freedom and break through the wall of those feelings of abandonment and oppression.
Father God, thank you that we are able to unequivocally trust you, regardless of circumstance. Please help us to be strong and courageous, to obey You, keeping your word on our lips, meditating on it day and night. Teach us to follow Your ways O God, that we may be granted success. Embolden us Father, keep us from fear and discouragement, for we trust You will be with us wherever we go. For it is with You, and through Your strength, that we can do all things. (Jos 1:7-9, Phi 4:13 par)
~ Conqueror in Training