A Year in the Bible with Daily Grace

Episode: Season 4, Week 30, Day 1: Annotating Psalm 22
Release Date: July 21, 2025
Host: Alexa
Co-host: Katie
Study Plan: Christ in All Scripture

Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of "A Year in the Bible with Daily Grace," hosted by Alexa and her co-host Katie, the focus is on Season 4 of the "Christ in All Scripture" reading plan. The Daily Grace Co. guides listeners through a comprehensive study that connects passages from both the Old and New Testaments, revealing how every part of the Bible points to Jesus Christ.

Alexa introduces the session by outlining the week's approach: exploring Psalm 22:1-2 from the Old Testament and Matthew 27:45-50 from the New Testament. The primary objective is to understand how Jesus’ cry of despair on the cross mirrors the Psalmist's anguish, thereby encouraging believers to express their own pain to God.

Reading the Passage

Katie takes the lead in reading the selected scripture:

Psalm 22:1-2 (Katie):
"My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
Why are you so far from my deliverance and from my words of groaning?
My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer;
by night, but I find no rest."

This poignant passage sets the stage for a deep exploration of suffering, divine presence, and the human experience of feeling abandoned.

Annotating Psalm 22:1-2

Alexa's Insights:

Alexa shares her experience with the annotation process:

"[00:17] Alexa: ...I found that the first two prompts were challenging, especially those asking us to highlight any words or phrases that point to Christ and to note God's attributes in the text."

She highlights the phrase "my God," emphasizing the personal relationship Jesus has with God the Father:

"[01:20] Alexa: 'My God' captures the intimacy Jesus has with God. Additionally, through Christ’s salvation, believers can call God 'my God,' reflecting a personal relationship facilitated by Jesus."

Alexa also draws a direct connection between Psalm 22:1-2 and Matthew 27:45-50, illustrating how Jesus fulfills the prophecy and experiences comparable anguish:

"[01:20] Alexa: ...I highlighted the phrase 'why have you abandoned me' at verse one and drew an arrow to Matthew 27:45-50, showing this New Testament passage's specific connection to Psalm 22."

Katie's Response:

Katie acknowledges the difficulty of the task but appreciates the depth it brings to understanding Scripture:

"[02:48] Katie: I love the suspense there. This week's annotation is hard, but Scripture and the Psalms help us remember we're not alone in our struggles."

She emphasizes that even when reality feels contrary to God's presence, the Psalms provide solace and truth.

Further Discussion on God's Attributes:

Alexa delves into the attributes of God as inferred from the passage, despite the Psalmist’s feelings of abandonment:

"[03:24] Alexa: While the verses don’t explicitly state God's attributes, we can infer His omnipresence and imminence. Even when it feels like God is distant, His presence remains constant."

Katie concurs, reinforcing the idea that God’s eternal presence is a source of hope:

"[04:06] Katie: Exactly. Even in difficult passages, God’s attributes like omnipresence reassure us of His constant presence."

Connecting the Old and New Testaments

The core of this episode lies in understanding how Psalm 22 foreshadows Jesus’ crucifixion as depicted in Matthew 27:45-50. Alexa and Katie explore the profound connection between the Old Testament prophecy and its New Testament fulfillment, illustrating the seamless narrative that points to Christ as the center of the biblical story.

Alexa remarks on the challenge of approaching familiar passages from a purely observational standpoint, highlighting the depth of study required to uncover Christ-centered themes:

"[01:20] Alexa: Approaching these passages observationally was tough, but it allowed me to see the layers of meaning that point directly to Jesus."

Katie adds that such studies not only reveal Christ’s presence but also provide a framework for believers to express their own struggles and find hope:

"[02:48] Katie: The Psalms show real feelings, reminding us we're not alone even when we feel distant from God."

Conclusion and Encouragement

As the episode wraps up, Alexa and Katie encourage listeners to continue their study and reflection:

"[04:06] Katie: We're not alone in finding this passage challenging, but through study, we gain hope and a deeper understanding of God's word."

Alexa reiterates the importance of engaging with the study materials and staying connected through their platforms for ongoing support and resources:

"[04:29] Alexa: Check out our show notes and follow us on Instagram for more Bible study resources and encouragement."

They sign off with a promise to delve deeper into Psalm 22 in the coming episodes, fostering a community of believers who seek to understand and love God more through Scripture.

Key Takeaways

• Personal Connection to God: The phrase "my God" underscores the intimate relationship believers have with God through Jesus Christ.

• Expression of Suffering: Both Psalm 22 and Matthew 27 portray profound anguish, illustrating that expressing despair is a valid and shared human experience.

• God’s Attributes in Hard Times: Even when feeling abandoned, God’s omnipresence and imminence remain true, offering comfort and assurance of His constant presence.

• Biblical Fulfillment: Psalm 22 serves as a prophetic foundation for understanding Jesus’ suffering on the cross, highlighting the cohesive narrative of redemption throughout Scripture.

This episode of "A Year in the Bible with Daily Grace" provides a thoughtful and profound exploration of Psalm 22:1-2, connecting Old Testament prophecy with New Testament fulfillment. Through insightful annotation and relatable discussion, Alexa and Katie guide listeners toward a deeper appreciation of God's unwavering presence and the centrality of Christ in the biblical narrative.