Cry of the Afflicted Soul

The center of the artwork focuses on a lone figure, hunched over, shrouded in shadows, with hands reaching out in desperation to the heavens, reflecting the opening verse: "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" The figure's posture symbolizes the deep emotional agony of feeling distant from God, both in day and night, as emphasized in verse 2: "O my God, I cry in the day time, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent." The image portrays the soul in a place of darkness, where the heavens seem far away, yet the figure continues to cry out, hoping for divine intervention.
Above the figure, a faint light breaks through the clouds, symbolizing the holiness of God who dwells in the praises of His people. This represents verse 3: "But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel." The light grows brighter as it touches upon the memories of past deliverances, echoing verses 4-5: "Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them." This light of hope serves as a reminder that, despite current suffering, God has a history of delivering those who put their trust in Him.
To the sides of the central figure are shadowy, jeering forms—figures that laugh, point, and mock, as expressed in verse 7: "All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head." These figures represent the tormentors, the ones who ridicule the faith of the afflicted soul, echoing their mocking words: "He trusted on the Lord that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him." Despite their taunts, the figure remains focused on the heavens, drawing strength from an unseen source.
Amidst the torment, the artwork conveys a sense of deep-rooted faith. Beneath the figure, roots extend into the earth, symbolizing the psalmist's lifelong trust in God, as described in verse 9: "But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother's breasts." The roots are a visual reminder of the psalmist's connection to God from birth, grounded in trust even when circumstances seem unbearable. These roots anchor the soul, providing strength in the midst of external chaos.
The lower portion of the image is filled with imagery of physical pain and emotional exhaustion. The figure’s body seems to melt and dissolve, as described in verse 14: "I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels." This visual depiction captures the exhaustion and anguish that the psalmist experiences. The background features encircling forms representing the assembly of the wicked, who stare and cast lots, echoing verses 16-18: "They pierced my hands and my feet... they part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture." The artwork reflects the deep sense of vulnerability and exposure during moments of profound suffering.
A flicker of hope begins to emerge in the form of a bright light that extends toward the figure, representing the prayer in verse 19: "But be not thou far from me, O Lord: O my strength, haste thee to help me." The light seems to push back against the shadows of torment, illustrating the plea for deliverance from the "sword" and the "power of the dog," as described in verse 20. The figure reaches upward, symbolizing a last-ditch effort to call upon God's strength to save them from their enemies.
The upper portion of the image features a transformation—a radiant golden light breaks through the darkness, symbolizing the declaration of God's name among the brethren, as expressed in verse 22: "I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee." This moment represents the turning point where suffering gives way to praise, and the afflicted soul lifts their voice in worship. The light also reflects the promise of satisfaction for the meek in verse 26: "The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the Lord that seek him: your heart shall live for ever." The artwork transitions from the deep shadows of suffering to the brilliant light of worship and praise.
In the background of the artwork, the image extends to encompass the entire world, with people from all nations turning to God in worship, as stated in verse 27: "All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the Lord: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee." The artwork portrays a future where all people recognize God's sovereignty, depicted by figures bowing down in reverence. This global scene represents the ultimate victory of God’s kingdom, emphasizing that He is the governor among all nations.
Psalm 22 has resonated deeply with believers throughout history, especially during moments of intense suffering. It’s a psalm that bridges the raw emotions of feeling abandoned by God with the ultimate assurance of His faithfulness and deliverance. This psalm finds its highest fulfillment in the suffering of Christ on the cross, where He quotes the opening line, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46). It reminds people today that even in moments of deep despair, when it feels as though God is far away, He is still present and working toward deliverance.
In modern life, Psalm 22 offers hope to those who feel abandoned, mocked, or persecuted. It is a reminder that suffering is not the end, but a precursor to God’s intervention and restoration. The psalm assures believers that God hears their cries and will ultimately vindicate them, just as He did for the psalmist. It teaches resilience, faith, and the importance of trusting God even when the outcome seems uncertain.
"Cry of the Afflicted Soul" vividly captures this profound journey from despair to worship, reflecting the timeless truth that God delivers those who call upon Him and that His righteousness will be declared for generations to come.