How can believers find strength when feeling surrounded like in Psalm 22:12? The Scene in Psalm 22:12 “Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.” Understanding the Image of Bulls • In ancient Israel, Bashan’s bulls were famed for size and power—picture a ring of unstoppable force. • David is saying, “I’m hemmed in by enemies who seem bigger, stronger, and totally in control.” Where Strength Actually Comes From • Scripture never tells us to look inside ourselves; it points us upward. • Psalm 18:1-2, “I love You, O LORD, my strength… the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” • Isaiah 40:29, “He gives power to the faint; to him who has no might He increases strength.” • Because the Bible is literally true, these promises are as solid today as the day they were penned. Practical Steps for Finding Strength When Surrounded 1. Speak the truth out loud • Psalm 27:1—declare, “The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” • Verbal confession realigns the heart with reality. 2. Rehearse past deliverances • Psalm 77:11—“I will remember the works of the LORD.” • Make a written list of God’s past interventions in your life. 3. Lock onto Scripture like a lifeline • Post verses where you can see them: Isaiah 41:10; Romans 8:31; 2 Timothy 4:17. 4. Lean into worship • Psalm 22 itself turns to praise in v. 22. Singing truth disarms fear. 5. Stand with the saints • Seek fellowship; Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us we’re never meant to fight alone. Promises to Stand On • Psalm 34:7 – “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them.” • 2 Chronicles 20:15 – “The battle is not yours, but God’s.” • John 16:33 – “In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world.” Encouraging Examples of Surrounded Saints • Elisha in Dothan (2 Kings 6:15-17): heavenly armies outnumbered earthly foes. • Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20): praise went first, victory followed. • Peter in prison (Acts 12): chains fell after prayer from the church. Remember the Greater Fulfillment in Christ • Psalm 22 ultimately points to Jesus, surrounded by mocking crowds at the cross (Matthew 27:27-31). • His resurrection proves that being “encircled” is never the end of the story. • Hebrews 12:2—“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus… who for the joy set before Him endured the cross.” Putting It All Together When the bulls of Bashan seem to close in, believers find strength by: • Fixing eyes on the Lord who is literally present and powerful. • Holding tightly to inerrant promises that cannot fail. • Rehearsing God’s record of past faithfulness. • Worshiping and walking with fellow believers. • Resting in the finished work of Christ, the ultimate proof that God delivers His people. |
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