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We are continuing our series of reflections on the Psalms. Each day we will upload a new reflection to the website. We hope and pray that you will find them helpful and that they bring hope during this season. Click on these buttons to read the text of the psalm or listen to a recording of it. You can also listen to the reflection using the audio player below. Read Psalm 22:1-18  Listen to Psalm 22:1-18 The reflection on Psalm 22 has been split into two, with the first part today. This psalm is in two parts with the first a journey of lament into the despair of isolation and death. The psalmist feels forgotten by God (verses 1-5), is despised by others (verses 6-10), and prays for help (verse 11) as he is surrounded by trouble (verses 12-18). Jesus quotes verses from Psalm 22 on the cross. Much of the first part of this psalm is a description of crucifixion, even though it was written many centuries before that method of execution had been invented. Jesus was separated from God at his time of death, with no one to hold his hand or be close to him. Doesn't that sound like the isolation that so many are going through at the moment? Whether people are in lockdown on their own at home feeling lonely, or for those with severe symptoms in hospitals and care homes, and particularly those who are dying without loved ones by their side. We may know of friends and family who are in isolation, either because of their age or because they are vulnerable. We all know people who have had COVID-19 and sadly we may also know of people who have died at this time. We also know that Jesus went through the same isolation as he suffered on the cross. Tomorrow's reflection will bring the "but..." Often we try to rush ahead to the resurrection on Easter morning, however, it's sometimes helpful to pause at Good Friday and reflect. Lord, we remember all those who are in isolation at this time. Do not be far from them, when trouble is near and there is no one to help.