What modern situations can reflect the overwhelming feeling described in Psalm 22:12? Feeling Hemmed In “Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.” (Psalm 22:12) Bulls of Bashan—A Picture of Crushing Pressure - Bashan was famed for well-fed, powerful cattle (Deuteronomy 32:14). - David paints an image of muscular animals closing in, snorting and stamping—no escape route. - The verse captures a moment when opposition feels both intimidating and relentless. Modern Echoes of the Encircling Bulls - • Public shaming on social media: a flood of angry comments that feels impossible to silence. • Hostile work environments: supervisors or co-workers united in unfair criticism or sabotage. • Legal or bureaucratic battles: stacks of paperwork and looming court dates that threaten livelihood. • Medical crises: a diagnosis followed by appointments, bills, and side effects piling up at once. • Crushing indebtedness: creditors calling, notices arriving, interest compounding—pressure from every side. • Persecution for faith: policies or peers that label biblical convictions as intolerant, isolating believers (2 Timothy 3:12). • Relentless temptation: addictions or habits that surround the mind like beasts (1 Peter 5:8). Grounding Our Hearts in Truth - Scripture never minimizes the intensity of the moment. David’s words validate raw emotion. - Yet the same psalm moves from anguish to trust: “For He has not despised or detested the affliction of the afflicted” (Psalm 22:24). - Even when pressure closes in, the Lord “is a shield around me” (Psalm 3:3). - Jesus Himself quoted this psalm on the cross (Matthew 27:46), showing He fully entered our overwhelm and overcame it (Hebrews 4:15-16). Encouragement from the Word - Psalm 34:7—“The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them.” - Isaiah 43:2—“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you…they will not sweep over you.” - Romans 8:37—“In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” The bulls may surround, but the Shepherd is nearer still. |
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