Psalms 22:24
For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.
Psalms 22:24: "For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard."
This verse pivots to hopeful affirmation: God does not despise the afflicted. The psalmist asserts that God is near, attentive, and responsive to cries of pain. The language about God not hiding His face underscores a personal relationship—intimacy in suffering. The clause “when he cried unto him, he heard” emphasizes divine attentiveness and action in response to prayer. Within the wider biblical narrative, this mirrors themes of divine compassion, steadfast presence, and justice for the oppressed. It also juxtaposes human experiential pain with God’s steadfast mercy. The historical context of lament literature invites the faithful to trust that God’s silence, if any, is not equivalent to abandonment; rather, God’s hearing can sustain the sufferer through the darkest hours.
Theologically, the verse highlights God’s compassion and faithfulness to those who suffer. It testifies to God’s character as a compassionate, attentive Father who does not reject the hurting. This is foundational for Christian anthropology: humans grow in trust as they experience God’s listening ear and timely help. The verse also connects with the idea of solidarity with the afflicted—God identifies with those who are suffering and acts on their behalf, guiding toward justice and mercy. It reinforces the hope that suffering is not meaningless; it is an arena where God’s mercy can be demonstrated and celebrated.
When you or someone you love faces hardship, this verse offers both comfort and responsibility: God hears you; you are not alone. Practically, develop a habit of turning to God first in crisis, then reach out to a trusted community for practical support. If you’re in a position of pain (illness, loss, unemployment), keep a log of prayers and note any signs of God’s presence—small mercies, unexpected encouragement, or physical strength. Share testimonies of how God has responded to prayers in your circle; such sharing builds faith. Also reflect on how you respond to others in affliction: do you despise or disregard their pain, or do you listen with compassion as God does?
Cross-References: Psalm 34:18; Psalm 56:8; Isaiah 43:2; Luke 18:7-8; James 5:13-16.