From you comes my praise in the great congregation; my vows I will pay before those who fear him.
The poor shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the Lord. May your hearts live forever!
All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord; and all the families of the nations shall worship before him.
For dominion belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations.
—Psalm 22:25-28
This psalm, prayed by Christ on the cross, started out, 'My God, why have you forsaken me.' And somehow we've moved from there to praise and the promise that the poor will be lifted up. It is amazing that there are Christians who can't see the Bible's emphasis on social justice. Even the saddest, most dejected episode in either testament becomes not only an occasion for praise, but a reminder that God loves the poor.
Even in sadness, remind me that I will again praise you, O God. And even in praise, remind me that my good fortune isn't mine alone, but that you intend for all your people to share in your blessings. Amen.
