BCC Staff Note: Today’s blog is the first article of a four-part series on the topic of abuse. Other contributors to the series include Anne Dryburgh, Julie Ganschow, and Chris Moles.

Abuse damages the human soul in ways that only the God of redemption can heal. Therefore, to be faithful counselors, we must acknowledge that the deepest need of the abused person is a need which can only be met by the One who was abused more than any other. Alongside practical needs of protection, justice, and restoration, which are addressed by other authors, the soul of the abused person needs care. He or she needs the peace, security, and healing which flow from the Lover of their Soul, the One who not only knows all about their suffering, but also truly empathizes with them.

My aim in this blog post is to help you minister to this need — the need that the broken and disillusioned soul has for one who truly understands and cares.

The whole of Scripture forms the only reliable framework for a theology of suffering, but there are also specific passages which are especially helpful when counseling the abused. Psalm 22 is one of them. Perhaps no other Psalm describes the intensity of suffering in a fallen world quite like this one. It paints a portrait of life in the darkest tones of gray. Here we see the reality of abuse and the intensity of its effects upon a person. But we also find hope that transcends abuse. By meditating on Psalm 22, we enter King David’s painful world and then see the One to whom the Holy Spirit ultimately pointed — the Man of Sorrows and our coming King, Jesus Christ.

Consider the Sufferings of Jesus

Psalm 22 is one of the greatest testimonies to the integrity of Scripture. Surely, the Holy Spirit alone could have accurately recorded David’s real-life experiences in such a way that they also perfectly foreshadowed the Savior’s suffering. As David’s greater Son, the troubles and abuses of our Savior are thoroughly described here.

A deep sense of abandonment, loss of relationship (vv. 1-2) – Compare these verses with Mark 15:33-34.

Despised by others (v. 6) – Meditate on Isaiah 53:3.

Looks of contempt, mocking gestures (v. 7) – Read Mark 15:27-30.

Verbal assault and insult (v. 8) – See this fulfillment in Mark 15:31-32 and Luke 23:39.

Alone and in trouble (v. 11) – For one example, read Matthew 26:38-40.

Surrounded by enemies (vv. 12-13) – Compare Matthew 26:43-46.

Crushed spirit, physical exhaustion to the point of death (vv. 14-15) – Meditate on John 19:28-30.

Intense pain, physical abuse (v. 16) – John 19:1-3 describes some, as does Luke 23:33.

Humiliation (v. 17) – For one example, read Luke 23:35.

The shame of nakedness (v. 18) – See its fulfillment in Matthew 27:28, 35.

Need for outside help (vv. 19-21) – Read Mark 14:35-36, 15:20-21.

Walk through this Psalm with those whom you counsel, and look at its fulfillment in the Gospels. Take time to meditate on the intensity of our Lord’s abuse, which results in a deeper understanding of His empathy toward those who are abused by others. Pray through Psalm 22 with them. Invite them to consider Jesus as their compassionate Savior.

Consider the Strength of God

Mingled throughout the horrific suffering described in Psalm 22 are truths about the character of God, who is the ultimate source of strength.

God is holy and sovereign (v. 3).

God is trustworthy (v. 4).

God is dependable (v. 5).

God is near (vv. 9-10).

God is our helper (vv. 19-21).

Having compared the sufferings of David in Psalm 22 with those of Jesus in the Gospels, you will have already seen ways in which our Savior was strengthened by rehearsing some of these truths in prayer. Direct the abused person to do the same, to reflect upon the unchanging character of God.

Consider the Sympathy of God

It is common for abused persons to feel despised, even by God. Therefore, it is vital that you draw their attention to tender descriptions of God’s love, such as:

“For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and he has not hidden his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to him” (v. 24).

“The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the Lord!” (v. 26)

As you work through to the end of Psalm 22, you will see more and more glimpses of King David’s faith in the coming Messiah. He determines to tell of the name of the Lord, his Savior (v. 22) and declare His kingship (v. 28). But nestled within these bold declarations of faith are tender reminders of our Lord’s compassion. Don’t miss these. Draw the abused person into Psalm 22 where he or she will find a Counselor like no other, the One who truly understands, cares, and will come to their aid.

Questions for Reflection

Read Hebrews 2:14-18. Why do you think these verses are immediately followed by the exhortation to “consider Jesus” (Heb. 3:1)? How does Psalm 22 inform the questions you should ask the abused person?