11/14/2021

Psalm of the Good Shepherd Part 4

“6 But I am a worm and not a man. I am scorned and despised by all! 7 Everyone who sees me mocks me. They sneer and shake their heads, saying, 8 “Is this the one who relies on the LORD? Then let the LORD save him! If the LORD loves him so much, let the LORD rescue him!”” (Psalm 22:6-8 NLT)

“Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me”

We say this childhood ditty to help us feel better but we all know of words spoken either to us or about us that still bruise and tear our soul. Words can be more harmful than and beating or physical abuse. The words that hurt the most are the ones where we are most vulnerable because we ourselves believe them.

The verses above bring us back to the last lesson and we see the cries of those who really feared Jesus hit so close to home with the questions of His heart at this time.

Please understand bully’s and put downs are only the attempts of those who fear others and seek to bring everyone down to the level they feel they are!

Are there “words” that have wounded you? How?

You may think God doesn’t understand your pain. Does this verse change that?

What “words” have you said to God that make you part of the crowd at the cross?

What “words” have you said to others you now regret?

Looking not just at this lesson, but the whole Bible how can you find forgiveness and make it right with you and those you hurt?