Psalms For Good Friday, In the Christian calendar, Good Friday is a solemn and revered day that commemorates Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and His final atonement for humanity’s sins. As Christians consider the great agony that Christ went through on the cross, it is a day of profound introspection, grief, and devotion.
The book of Psalms expresses the spiritual and emotional significance of Good Friday, while the Gospels give a thorough account of what happened on that day. These old songs are incredibly appropriate for both individual meditation and group worship because they convey the suffering, hope, and redeeming purpose associated with the cross.
Jesus himself used the Psalms as his prayer language in addition to being the hymnbook of ancient Israel. In order to connect His agony to the psalmist’s prophetic cry, Jesus cited Psalm 22 while hanging on the cross: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Christ’s suffering, betrayal, and abandonment are all hinted at in numerous other Psalms.
Because of this, the Psalms help us better understand the mystery and significance of Good Friday by acting as a spiritual link between the agony of the crucifixion and the promise of resurrection.
During Good Friday, considering the Psalms encourages us to go beyond historical commemoration and toward personal growth. These verses cause us to reflect on our hearts, acknowledge our need for grace, and marvel at God’s kindness. They give us words to express our sorrow and thankfulness, to lament our sins, and to be amazed at the love of Christ. The Psalms create a hallowed space for experiencing the breadth of God’s atoning act on the cross, whether they are recited aloud during worship or read separately.
50 Powerful Psalms For Good Friday (2025)
1. Psalm 22:1
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
This haunting cry of abandonment, spoken by David and later echoed by Jesus on the cross, captures the depth of spiritual anguish and isolation. Psalm 22 is a prophetic lament that points directly to the suffering of Christ during His crucifixion. Though it begins in despair, it gradually rises into a declaration of faith and hope in God’s deliverance. The verse serves as a bridge between human suffering and divine redemption, emphasizing that even in our darkest moments, we are not alone.
Reflection
Good Friday is a solemn reminder that God entered our pain through Christ. Jesus did not shy away from agony—He embraced it for our sake. When we read Psalm 22 on this holy day, we are invited to sit with the sorrow, to feel the weight of sin and the cost of love. Yet, we are also reminded that suffering is not the end of the story. God is present in the silence and powerful in the deliverance. The cry of “Why have you forsaken me?” becomes the anthem of divine empathy—a Savior who understands our sorrow and redeems it with resurrection.
2. Psalm 34:20
“He protects all his bones; not one of them will be broken.”
This verse subtly yet powerfully foreshadows the crucifixion of Christ. Though Jesus endured brutal suffering, not a single bone of His was broken—fulfilling this precise prophecy. Psalm 34 is a celebration of God’s faithfulness to the righteous, even amid affliction. It reveals that God’s providential care extends to the smallest details, affirming His control even during the darkest events in history, including the cross.
Reflection
On Good Friday, we confront the reality of suffering, but also the sovereign hand of God in the midst of it. The preservation of Christ’s bones symbolizes the unbroken plan of redemption. Nothing that happened at Calvary was random—it was foreseen and fulfilled. In our pain, we too can trust that God is not absent. He sees, He knows, and He protects, even when it feels like all is lost. What looks like defeat is often preparation for a greater victory. God’s protection may not always prevent pain, but it always preserves His purpose.
3. Psalm 69:21
“They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst.”
This verse vividly anticipates the mockery and cruelty Jesus endured on the cross. As He hung in agony, His thirst was met not with compassion, but with vinegar—a direct fulfillment of David’s lament. Psalm 69 is filled with deep sorrow, rejection, and cries for justice. It speaks to the emotional and physical torment faced by those who walk in righteousness but are met with hatred and scorn.
Reflection
The pain of rejection often cuts deeper than physical wounds, and on Good Friday, we remember that Jesus experienced both. He thirsted—not just for water, but for love, justice, and the restoration of humanity. Instead, He received scorn. Yet He bore it all willingly. Psalm 69 reminds us that Jesus chose the cross, knowing it would mean betrayal, mockery, and loneliness. It invites us to bring our own thirsts to Him—the longing to be known, loved, and healed. In His suffering, He took on ours. In His thirst, He made a way for our souls to be satisfied.
4. Psalm 31:5
“Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God.”
These words, originally spoken by David in trust, were Jesus’ final declaration on the cross. They are a powerful surrender of the soul into the hands of the Father. Psalm 31 reflects a deep confidence in God’s faithfulness, even when life is under threat. It reminds us that ultimate security is not found in circumstances but in placing our lives fully in God’s care.
Reflection
On Good Friday, we are drawn to the image of Jesus placing His spirit in the Father’s hands—not as a resignation, but as an act of divine trust. In this surrender, He teaches us how to let go. When life breaks us, when death feels near, and when hope seems lost, we are invited to echo this prayer. Faith doesn’t mean we’re immune to suffering; it means we believe God is present in it. Like Jesus, we can entrust our hearts to the One who holds eternity. In our dying moments—whether literal or symbolic—there is a sacred peace in releasing ourselves to God’s unfailing hands.
5. Psalm 16:10
“Because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.”
This verse is a messianic prophecy fulfilled in the resurrection of Christ. Though Good Friday marks Jesus’ death, Psalm 16 reminds us that death was not the end of His story. The grave could not hold Him, and decay had no claim over the Holy One. David expresses his confidence in God’s deliverance, a confidence ultimately realized in Jesus’ victory over death.
Reflection
Good Friday forces us to face the reality of death, but Psalm 16 assures us that death does not have the final word. Jesus’ body rested in the tomb, but the promise of Psalm 16 was never in question—He would rise. This verse gives hope to every believer that no matter how dark the tomb, God’s promise of life stands. In our grief, suffering, and despair, we cling to the truth that God will not abandon His faithful ones. The silence of Good Friday is real, but so is the certainty of Easter morning.
6. Psalm 41:9
“Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.”
David’s lament over betrayal finds a chilling fulfillment in the actions of Judas Iscariot. This Psalm not only expresses the heartbreak of personal betrayal but also prophetically points to the betrayal Jesus experienced at the Last Supper. The sting of having a trusted companion become an enemy adds a layer of emotional torment to the cross.
Reflection
Betrayal cuts deep, especially when it comes from someone close. On Good Friday, we are reminded that Jesus faced this pain too. He knows the agony of misplaced trust, of love turned sour. When we are wounded by those we once held dear, this Psalm reminds us that Christ identifies with our sorrow. Yet, He did not retaliate—He forgave. As we reflect on the betrayal Jesus endured, we’re challenged to release our own bitterness and trust that God sees, heals, and redeems even the deepest relational wounds.
7. Psalm 88:3
“I am overwhelmed with troubles and my life draws near to death.”
This Psalm is perhaps the darkest in the entire Book of Psalms. It expresses a soul submerged in suffering, abandonment, and the looming shadow of death. On Good Friday, these words echo the physical and spiritual torment Jesus endured on the cross. The psalmist’s words foreshadow the isolation and burden Christ bore.
Reflection
Good Friday is not a day of easy answers—it is a day of deep mourning. Psalm 88 permits us to sit in the sorrow and to feel the full weight of what Jesus bore for us. It reminds us that being overwhelmed is not a failure of faith but an honest cry from the depths. Jesus entered this place of total desolation to rescue us from it. When our lives feel heavy, when hope feels dim, we look to the One who went through the valley of death for our sake. His solidarity with our pain becomes the foundation for our healing.
8. Psalm 69:7
“For I endure scorn for your sake, and shame covers my face.”
This verse reveals the depth of humiliation experienced by the righteous when they suffer for God’s purposes. In Christ’s crucifixion, we see this verse fulfilled. Jesus bore the shame, ridicule, and disgrace not because He had done wrong, but because He carried our sin. The cross was not just physical pain—it was public shame.
Reflection
Shame is a powerful force, often used by the enemy to isolate and destroy. But on Good Friday, we remember that Jesus endured shame so we wouldn’t have to carry it anymore. He took the scorn of the crowd, the insults of soldiers, and the rejection of the people He came to save. Psalm 69 reminds us that suffering for righteousness is not failure—it is faithfulness. When we are mocked, misunderstood, or humiliated for our convictions, we look to Christ. His example empowers us to bear shame with grace and remember that honor with God outweighs any disgrace from the world.
9. Psalm 109:4
“In return for my friendship they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer.”
This Psalm reveals the injustice of being accused despite offering kindness. It speaks to the experience of Jesus, who loved deeply and healed many, yet was falsely accused and condemned. Rather than defend Himself, Jesus prayed for His enemies, for forgiveness, and ultimately for the fulfillment of the Father’s will.
Reflection
In moments of betrayal and false accusation, our instinct is to fight back, to justify ourselves. But Jesus modeled a better way. On the cross, He prayed instead of cursing, and forgave instead of retaliating. Psalm 109 reminds us that the most powerful response to injustice is prayer. On Good Friday, we are called not only to remember what Jesus did but to imitate His way. In our trials, may we become people of prayer, responding to hurt with humility and to accusation with intercession.
10. Psalm 38:4
“My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear.”
This verse articulates the crushing weight of guilt—a burden that Jesus took upon Himself on Good Friday. Though He was sinless, He bore the sins of humanity on the cross. The psalmist’s description of unbearable guilt is a reflection of what Jesus endured for the sake of our redemption.
Reflection
Sin carries a weight that no human can carry alone. The guilt, shame, and consequences are more than we can handle. But on Good Friday, we remember that Jesus carried it all. Every failure, every regret, every hidden wrong was placed upon Him. He bore the burden we could never lift so that we could walk in freedom. Psalm 38 invites us to be honest about our sin and to marvel at the grace of the One who took our place. We don’t need to live crushed by guilt—Christ has already been crushed for us.
11. Psalm 27:10
“Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.”
This verse offers profound comfort to those who feel abandoned and rejected. On Good Friday, Jesus was forsaken by His closest followers and even cried out to the Father in anguish. Yet, the hope in this verse speaks of divine reception, even when the world turns away, God welcomes and embraces.
Reflection
Abandonment can be one of the most painful wounds. Jesus experienced this in full measure—from Judas’s betrayal, Peter’s denial, and the disciples’ desertion. Psalm 27 reminds us that no matter who walks away, God draws near. On Good Friday, we are assured that the rejection of man never disqualifies us from the embrace of God. Christ endured isolation so we could experience acceptance. When we feel alone, we can turn to the One who never turns His back on us.
12. Psalm 118:22
“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.”
This prophetic declaration reveals the divine irony in Jesus’ rejection by the religious leaders. The One they cast aside became the foundation of salvation. Good Friday marks the moment the world rejected Christ, yet it was also the beginning of God building a new covenant upon Him.
Reflection
Rejection is not the end of the story—it’s often the beginning of something greater. On Good Friday, Jesus was cast out, condemned, and crucified. But God used that rejection to establish a kingdom. Psalm 118 challenges us to see that what the world rejects, God exalts. When we feel unvalued or overlooked, we remember that the same Christ who was despised now holds the highest place. He is the cornerstone of our faith, our hope, and our eternal future.
13. Psalm 40:6-8
“Sacrifice and offering you did not desire—but my ears you have opened—burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require. Then I said, ‘Here I am, I have come—it is written about me in the scroll.’”
This passage speaks of obedience over ritual and points directly to Christ, who came not to offer another sacrifice, but to be the ultimate sacrifice. On Good Friday, we remember Jesus’ willing submission to the will of God, fulfilling what was written of Him.
Reflection
The cross was not an accident—it was a choice. Jesus came not with animal offerings, but with Himself, fully surrendered. Psalm 40 reveals that what God desires most is not rituals or performance, but a heart yielded in obedience. Good Friday invites us to reflect on our own offerings: are we giving God religion, or relationship? Performance, or surrender? Christ’s “Here I am” becomes our model for full devotion to the Father’s will.
14. Psalm 55:22
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
Though this verse speaks to personal burdens, it also resonates with the weight Jesus carried at Calvary—not just His burden, but ours. It is a promise that those who trust God will find strength and stability, even in the most unstable moments.
Reflection
Good Friday is a day to lay our burdens down. Jesus bore the ultimate weight so we wouldn’t have to carry ours alone. Psalm 55 encourages us to cast, not carry—to give, not grip. Whether our burdens are of guilt, sorrow, or fear, we can release them to the One who has already taken them to the cross. And as we surrender, we find that the same God who sustained His Son through death will sustain us through every storm.
15. Psalm 143:7
“Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit.”
This desperate cry echoes Jesus’ agony in Gethsemane and on the cross, where He longed for the Father’s presence. It expresses the urgency of divine response when the soul feels crushed and near death.
Reflection
Good Friday confronts us with moments of silence from God, when heaven seems distant. Yet even in Christ’s moment of forsakenness, God was at work. Psalm 143 voices what we all feel in times of despair—the need for God to answer quickly. And while answers may be delayed, His presence never does. The silence of God is not abandonment—it is often the stillness before resurrection. Hold on. He is nearer than He seems.
16. Psalm 3:3
“But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.”
Despite intense trials and betrayal, this Psalm declares God’s protection and restoration. On Good Friday, though Jesus was surrounded by enemies, the Father was still His shield, lifting Him through suffering toward ultimate victory.
Reflection
Even at the cross, God’s protection never ceased. Jesus’ body may have been pierced, but His purpose was never thwarted. Psalm 3 reminds us that God’s shielding doesn’t always look like prevention—it often looks like resurrection. On this solemn day, we remember that God lifts the head bowed in sorrow. Our tears may fall, but He promises to lift our faces again with the dawn of redemption.
17. Psalm 6:6
“I am worn out from my groaning. All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears.”
This raw admission of emotional exhaustion reflects Jesus’ anguish in the garden and the burden He carried to the cross. It gives voice to deep grief and weariness that often accompany intense suffering.
Reflection
Tears are holy on Good Friday. They are not signs of weakness, but of alignment with God’s heart. Jesus wept, agonized, and grieved—and Psalm 6 permits us to do the same. When pain feels relentless and our strength fades, we are not forsaken. God meets us in the weeping, and in the morning, He brings joy. The path to resurrection often runs through the valley of tears.
18. Psalm 102:1-2
“Hear my prayer, Lord; let my cry for help come to you. Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress.”
These verses embody the heart’s cry in times of abandonment and sorrow. On the cross, Jesus prayed similar words, longing for the Father’s presence amid suffering. It reminds us that even in pain, our prayers are heard.
Reflection
Good Friday is the intersection of agony and prayer. Jesus cried out, not in vain, but in faith. Psalm 102 assures us that God listens, especially when we are distressed. Prayer isn’t always neat or composed—it’s often a desperate cry. Yet that cry pierces heaven. As you reflect on the cross today, remember: God is not far. He hears your groan, sees your tears, and responds with mercy.
19. Psalm 23:4
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”
This beloved Psalm offers comfort even on the darkest day of the Christian calendar. Jesus walked through the valley of death, yet He feared no evil—because the Father’s plan was with Him every step of the way.
Reflection
The valley is dark, but not godless. Good Friday is proof that God walks with us through every shadowed path. The cross was not just a symbol of pain—it was a declaration of presence. Jesus entered the valley of death to make a way through it for us. Psalm 23 reminds us that even death cannot separate us from His love. When you are afraid, remember: Christ has walked your valley—and conquered it.
20. Psalm 35:11
“Ruthless witnesses come forward; they question me on things I know nothing about.”
This verse depicts the false accusations hurled against the innocent. On Good Friday, it finds its ultimate fulfillment in the unjust trials of Jesus, where lies triumphed temporarily over truth.
Reflection
Injustice is a bitter cup, one that Jesus drank in full. False witnesses, twisted accusations, and silent suffering marked His path to the cross. Psalm 35 assures us that God sees every injustice. When we are misrepresented or falsely accused, we can look to the One who stood silent before His accusers and still triumphed. His truth was not silenced—it was resurrected.
21. Psalm 38:11
“My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds; my neighbors stay far away.”
This verse reflects the isolation and abandonment that often accompany deep suffering. On Good Friday, Jesus experienced complete forsakenness—deserted by His disciples and surrounded by mockers. The psalmist’s lament finds full resonance in the crucifixion narrative.
Reflection
There is a loneliness in suffering that even words cannot reach. Jesus knew this kind of abandonment intimately. Psalm 38 gives voice to what many feel during grief: isolation, invisibility, and silence. But on Good Friday, we learn that Christ chose that very path of aloneness to make sure we never have to walk it alone. His wounds became the door to our healing. When friends withdraw and others don’t understand, remember that Jesus remains, closer than any neighbor could be.
22. Psalm 102:24
“So I said: Do not take me away, my God, in the midst of my days. Your years go on through all generations.”
This cry reflects the fear of a life cut short—a longing for purpose and longevity. On the cross, Jesus faced death in the prime of life, yet His sacrifice ushered in eternal life for all generations. The psalmist’s cry is met in Christ’s obedience.
Reflection
We often fear death, not only for its pain but for its timing. Jesus died young, yet His life had an eternal impact. Psalm 102 reminds us that God’s purposes are never limited by human years. Good Friday shows us that a life surrendered to God—even if brief in earthly terms—can echo through eternity. When we feel like life is passing us by or cut too short, Christ’s story reminds us: it is not the length of days but the depth of obedience that makes life truly meaningful.
23. Psalm 69:19-20
“You know how I am scorned, disgraced and shamed; all my enemies are before you. Scorn has broken my heart and left me helpless; I looked for sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but I found none.”
These words strike at the core of Christ’s experience on the cross—abandoned, mocked, and deeply wounded. This prophetic lament reflects the emotional agony Jesus endured as He was left without comfort.
Reflection
To suffer in pain is one thing; to suffer alone is another. Jesus sought comfort and found none. His friends fled, His people rejected Him, and the crowd scorned Him. Psalm 69 uncovers the emotional torment beneath the physical pain. On Good Friday, we remember that Christ knows what it is to feel forsaken and brokenhearted. When we feel unseen in our pain, we look to the cross and know—we are deeply understood. He bore isolation so we might know eternal companionship in Him.
24. Psalm 44:22
“Yet for your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
This Psalm reflects the suffering of the righteous, not for wrongdoing, but for loyalty to God. It foreshadows the sacrificial death of Christ, the Lamb led silently to slaughter for the sake of our redemption.
Reflection
Good Friday is not only about the death of Christ but also the cost of discipleship. Psalm 44 speaks to the truth that following God may lead us into suffering, not as punishment, but as participation in His redemptive plan. Jesus, the Lamb of God, was led to the cross not because of guilt, but because of grace. When we suffer for righteousness, we are not defeated—we are sharing in the suffering of the Savior, who has already won the victory.
25. Psalm 31:11-12
“Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors and an object of dread to my closest friends—those who see me on the street flee from me. I am forgotten as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery.”
This deeply personal lament expresses feelings of rejection, worthlessness, and invisibility—experiences that mirror Jesus’ final hours. Betrayed, abandoned, and broken, He became the very image of these verses on Good Friday.
Reflection
Broken pottery can no longer serve its original purpose—or so it seems. On the cross, Jesus was viewed as finished, defeated, shattered. But Psalm 31 tells a deeper story: God specializes in restoring what is broken. Though forgotten by men, Jesus was remembered by the Father. His brokenness became our blessing. When you feel discarded, remember the crucified Christ. In Him, every shattered piece of your life can be redeemed for a higher purpose.
26. Psalm 109:25
“I am an object of scorn to my accusers; when they see me, they shake their heads.”
This verse mirrors the mocking gestures aimed at Jesus as He hung on the cross. People passed by, shaking their heads, scorning Him with disbelief and contempt. This Psalm gives voice to public humiliation endured by the innocent.
Reflection
Public shame is a deeply cutting experience, and Jesus bore it fully. He was not only crucified—He was humiliated. Psalm 109 draws attention to this often-overlooked aspect of the cross. But in Christ’s humiliation, we see divine humility. He bore shame so we might walk in honor. He became a spectacle so we could become children of God. When you are mocked or misunderstood, look to the One who chose shame for your salvation.
27. Psalm 22:16
“Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet.”
This stunningly prophetic verse describes the physical reality of crucifixion centuries before it was invented. It paints an unmistakable picture of Jesus’ suffering, surrounded by enemies and pierced by nails.
Reflection
Good Friday brings us face to face with the brutality Jesus endured for us. Psalm 22 does not soften the image—it shows us the raw truth: the Savior’s body was broken so ours could be healed. He was pierced, surrounded, stripped, and mocked, yet He never resisted. This was love in its most powerful form—sacrificial, painful, and redemptive. The next time you take communion or see a cross, remember: this was the cost of your freedom.
28. Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
This comforting promise reveals God’s heart for the hurting. On Good Friday, it reminds us that God was not distant from Jesus in His suffering—He was intimately present, even in the silence.
Reflection
Jesus’ spirit was crushed for our healing. Psalm 34 assures us that God is never far from brokenness. Good Friday proves that truth. When we suffer, we do not suffer alone. God comes near through the Holy Spirit, through His Word, and through the empathy of the crucified Christ. If your heart is broken, let this verse be your comfort: God is not far away. He draws near, saves, and restores.
29. Psalm 51:17
“My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.”
Though this verse comes from a psalm of repentance, it is also deeply connected to Good Friday. Jesus’ death was the ultimate sacrifice, and He offered Himself with full surrender and obedience, embodying the contrite heart God desires.
Reflection
God doesn’t seek performance—He seeks surrender. Jesus gave the perfect sacrifice: a heart fully broken and offered on our behalf. Psalm 51 invites us to bring our contrite hearts to the foot of the cross. When we come in humility, He responds with mercy. On this day of reflection, ask: What can I offer God? Not perfection, but brokenness. Not eloquence, but honesty. And he will never despise it.
30. Psalm 18:4-5
“The cords of death entangled me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me.”
This vivid imagery of death’s grip finds its fullest expression in the Passion of Christ. On the cross, Jesus faced the total force of death—not metaphorically, but literally so that He could break its power forever.
Reflection
Good Friday reminds us that death is real, but it is not final. Jesus entered its grip so He could crush it from within. Psalm 18 captures the claustrophobic terror of death’s hold, yet the psalm ends in deliverance. The cross looked like defeat, but it was the beginning of triumph. When death looms large—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—cling to the cross. There, the cords of death were cut forever.
31. Psalm 31:9
“Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief.”
This heartfelt plea echoes the emotional and physical agony Jesus endured on Good Friday. The psalmist’s words capture the all-consuming nature of sorrow and grief, pointing us to the suffering Savior who bore both soul and body pain for our sake.
Reflection
Grief can overwhelm every part of us—mind, body, and spirit. On the cross, Jesus experienced this fullness of sorrow. He did not hide from pain—He walked into it for our redemption. Psalm 31 reminds us that it’s okay to feel broken and distressed. God does not turn away from our weakness. He meets us in it. On Good Friday, let this verse be your prayer: “Be merciful, Lord.” And take comfort in knowing that Christ’s grief has become the foundation of your healing.
32. Psalm 88:8
“You have taken from me my closest friends and have made me repulsive to them. I am confined and cannot escape.”
Psalm 88, often called the darkest psalm, resonates deeply with the desolation Jesus faced. His friends had scattered, and He hung confined to the cross, with no escape from suffering and rejection. This verse brings us into that silent and sorrowful place.
Reflection
There are moments when escape feels impossible and isolation feels total. Jesus lived that moment on Good Friday. His closest companions abandoned Him, and He bore rejection that went beyond the physical. Psalm 88 shows us that we can voice our darkest moments before God. Christ endured the depths of abandonment so that we never would. When we feel confined by grief, fear, or betrayal, we turn to the cross where Jesus made a way out of despair and into restoration.
33. Psalm 35:14
“I went about mourning as though for my friend or brother. I bowed my head in grief as though weeping for my mother.”
This verse expresses deep mourning and empathy for others’ suffering. Jesus, the Man of Sorrows, took on the grief of the world—not just as an observer, but as a substitute. His mourning on Good Friday was not only for Israel but for every soul ever burdened by sin.
Reflection
Grief is a language God understands intimately. Jesus grieved deeply, even for those who rejected Him. Psalm 35 calls us to enter into that sacred sorrow, not to avoid pain, but to recognize it as part of the redemptive journey. On Good Friday, we are reminded that Jesus bore our grief not from a distance, but near our pain. And now, because of His compassion, we are never alone in our mourning.
34. Psalm 109:3-5
“With words of hatred they surround me; they attack me without cause. In return for my friendship they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer. They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my friendship.”
This verse captures the injustice Jesus endured—mocked, accused, and repaid with hatred despite His compassion and healing. It echoes the scenes of Holy Week, culminating in the violent rejection of Good Friday.
Reflection
There is a sacred strength in choosing prayer over retaliation. Jesus, attacked unjustly, responded with silence and intercession. Psalm 109 foreshadows the pain of being hated for doing good. But it also reminds us that righteousness is not about public approval—it’s about quiet faithfulness. When you are misjudged, slandered, or hated without cause, turn to prayer like Christ did. Good Friday teaches us that love endures—even when unreturned.
35. Psalm 30:5
“Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”
Though this verse speaks of temporary sorrow, it perfectly anticipates the hope hidden within Good Friday. The night was dark, but the dawn of resurrection would come. This verse is a quiet prophecy of Easter, whispered in the middle of grief.
Reflection
Good Friday is heavy, and it should be. It’s a day of mourning, repentance, and awe. But Psalm 30 offers a gentle reminder that this darkness is not permanent. Christ’s death is not the end of the story. As we sit in the stillness of this holy day, we can already feel the pulse of Sunday rising. Let the tears fall—they are real. But let hope rise too. Morning is coming.
36. Psalm 102:8
“All day long my enemies taunt me; those who rail against me use my name as a curse.”
This verse paints a picture of public ridicule and dishonor—an exact match to the mockery Jesus endured from the Roman soldiers and the crowd on Good Friday. His name, once praised, was spat upon and twisted in hatred.
Reflection
Reputation can be shattered in an instant, and Jesus willingly allowed His to be dragged through the dirt. Psalm 102 gives voice to this scorn. Yet, in bearing that humiliation, Jesus redeemed even our worst shame. On Good Friday, we see that honor in God’s kingdom doesn’t look like applause—it looks like sacrifice. If you’ve ever been mocked, misunderstood, or publicly shamed, know this: the One who was cursed for you now calls you blessed.
37. Psalm 31:13
“For I hear many whispering, ‘Terror on every side!’ They conspire against me and plot to take my life.”
This verse reflects the conspiracy and deceit that surrounded Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion. His enemies plotted in darkness, and the whispers of betrayal became the roar of “Crucify Him!” by morning.
Reflection
Betrayal rarely starts loudly—it begins in whispers. Psalm 31 reminds us that even when the world conspires against righteousness, God’s will prevails. Jesus could have fled the cross, but He stayed, knowing that the plotting of men could not overturn the purpose of God. On Good Friday, let us surrender our fear of enemies, injustice, or conspiracy. What they plan for evil, God turns into glory.
38. Psalm 56:8
“Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll—are they not in your record?”
This tender verse reminds us that no pain is forgotten by God. On Good Friday, every drop of blood, every cry from the cross, was seen and recorded in heaven. Jesus’ suffering was not random—it was remembered and redemptive.
Reflection
Sometimes we wonder if anyone truly sees our suffering. Psalm 56 tells us that God not only sees, it matters to Him. The tears Jesus shed were not wasted, and neither are yours. On Good Friday, we look to the cross and see a Savior whose pain was recorded in full. He dignifies your sorrow by sharing in it. Every cry, every sigh, every sleepless night is counted by a God who cares deeply.
39. Psalm 118:27
“The Lord is God, and he has made his light shine on us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar.”
This verse alludes to sacrificial worship—processions to the altar, symbolic of offering to God. Jesus’ journey to the cross was His procession, not to a human altar, but to the place of ultimate sacrifice.
Reflection
On Palm Sunday, the crowd waved branches and celebrated. But by Good Friday, the procession led to the cross. Psalm 118 reminds us that the altar is where redemption happens, and Jesus went there willingly. His life was not taken from Him; it was laid down in obedience. As we reflect on this solemn day, we are invited to follow Him in that procession—not with palms, but with surrendered hearts.
40. Psalm 40:2
“He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”
This verse is a declaration of rescue and restoration, exactly what Good Friday sets in motion. Though Jesus was lowered into the pit of death, He would rise to lift others out of theirs.
Reflection
The cross was a descent into darkness, but it was never meant to end there. Psalm 40 reminds us that God lifts us, even from death itself. Jesus went into the pit so He could pull us out. As we remember His sacrifice, we also remember His power to raise. The firm rock we now stand on is not self-righteousness or success—it is Christ crucified and risen.
41. Psalm 22:18
“They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.”
This verse is a direct prophecy fulfilled at the crucifixion of Jesus, recorded in all four Gospels. In Psalm 22, David describes intense suffering and mockery, unknowingly foreshadowing the Messiah’s death. On Good Friday, Roman soldiers fulfilled this verse at the foot of the cross.
Reflection
Good Friday confirms that Scripture never fails. Even down to the smallest detail—like the soldiers casting lots for Jesus’ clothes—God’s Word proves true. This verse reminds us that Jesus’ suffering was not random; it was part of a divine plan written long before. The humiliation He endured shows us just how far God was willing to go to redeem humanity. In moments of betrayal or abandonment, we can cling to the truth that Christ endured it all and overcame.
42. Psalm 130:3-4
“If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.”
Psalm 130 is a cry from the depths of despair, acknowledging God’s mercy and readiness to forgive. These verses highlight humanity’s helplessness in the face of sin and the profound hope found in divine forgiveness. On Good Friday, this forgiveness became fully accessible through Christ’s sacrifice.
Reflection
If God were to count every wrong, who could survive His judgment? The cross makes clear that forgiveness is not cheap—it cost Jesus everything. Yet in His suffering, He wiped clean the record of our sin. Good Friday is not just a day of sorrow—it’s a day of great reverence and gratitude. We serve a God who does not hold our failures over us, but instead offers complete restoration through the blood of the Lamb.
43. Psalm 118:22
“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.”
This messianic verse describes how what was once cast aside is now foundational. On Good Friday, Jesus—the rejected Messiah—became the cornerstone of salvation. Though crucified by men, He was exalted by God.
Reflection
Rejection is painful, but in God’s hands, rejection can become redemption. Jesus was despised and rejected, but that very rejection became the pivot point of history. The one cast out became the foundation of God’s kingdom. When we feel unwanted or forgotten, this verse reminds us: God chooses the rejected and transforms them into something essential. The cross, once a symbol of disgrace, is now a sign of everlasting victory.
44. Psalm 25:11
“For the sake of your name, Lord, forgive my iniquity, though it is great.”
This plea for forgiveness acknowledges both the weight of sin and the greatness of God’s name. David appeals to God’s character, not his own merit. On Good Friday, Jesus forgave us not because we deserved it, but because of who God is—merciful and just.
Reflection
God’s forgiveness is not based on our goodness, but on His grace. When we grasp how great our iniquity is, we also begin to understand how vast His mercy must be. The cross wasn’t about minimizing sin—it was about overwhelming it with love. On Good Friday, we remember that Jesus’ death magnifies God’s name, not our worthiness. His sacrifice covers our deepest guilt and displays God’s deepest love.
45. Psalm 42:3
“My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, ‘Where is your God?’”
This psalm of lament captures the soul-crushing sorrow that Jesus Himself would feel during His passion. Mocked, abandoned, and physically broken, Jesus endured the agony of Good Friday while facing scorn and questioning of His divine identity.
Reflection
Tears were not foreign to Jesus—He wept, He grieved, He cried out. On Good Friday, He experienced the loneliness of divine silence and the cruelty of public shame. This verse speaks to all who suffer silently, who feel abandoned or ridiculed. Christ meets us in our tears. The cross proves that even when God seems silent, He is never absent. Our Redeemer suffers with us and for us, turning our sorrow into sacred ground.
46. Psalm 88:6
“You have put me in the lowest pit, in the darkest depths.”
Psalm 88 is one of the darkest psalms in the Bible, ending without resolution. It expresses the full depth of despair. On Good Friday, Jesus descended into this spiritual darkness, bearing the full weight of separation and death.
Reflection
There are moments when hope feels out of reach. Psalm 88 doesn’t end with light—it ends in shadows, just as Good Friday did. But that doesn’t mean God was absent. The silence of Saturday would eventually give way to resurrection Sunday. If you find yourself in the pit, remember that Jesus has been there and rose again. He knows darkness, but He leads us to light. Good Friday gives meaning to even the bleakest moments of our lives.
47. Psalm 31:5
“Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God.”
These words, spoken by David, were the final words of Jesus on the cross. With them, He surrendered His life into the hands of the Father. This verse expresses absolute trust in God even at the moment of death.
Reflection
Surrender is not weakness—it is the ultimate act of trust. Jesus didn’t lose His life; He gave it willingly. With His final breath, He quoted this psalm, modeling faith even in death. When we face moments of fear, loss, or finality, we can echo this prayer. Good Friday teaches us that God’s hands are the safest place to entrust our lives—even in death, we are not alone.
48. Psalm 35:11
“Ruthless witnesses come forward; they question me on things I know nothing about.”
This verse reflects the injustice David faced, but it also prophetically parallels the false accusations brought against Jesus during His trial. Christ stood silent before His accusers, fulfilling the righteous endurance spoken of in this psalm.
Reflection
Injustice is painful—especially when the innocent are condemned. Jesus was falsely accused, mocked, and judged by corrupt men. Psalm 35 reminds us that God sees every injustice. Good Friday shows that God does not ignore the abuse of power—He endured it to overthrow it. When we are falsely accused or treated unfairly, Christ stands with us as the ultimate example of patient, holy suffering.
49. Psalm 55:12-14
“If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it… But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend.”
Betrayal is more painful when it comes from someone close. This verse reflects David’s heartbreak and foreshadows Judas’ betrayal of Jesus. On Good Friday, Jesus was wounded not only by nails, but by a friend’s kiss.
Reflection
Few pains cut as deeply as betrayal by someone you trust. Jesus understands this hurt—He lived it. Psalm 55 gives voice to that personal pain, and the cross assures us that God doesn’t dismiss our heartbreak. He entered into it. In our own betrayals, we can come to Christ not just for comfort, but for communion. He has walked that road—and walked it in love.
50. Psalm 40:2
“He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”
Though Good Friday ends with death, it points toward resurrection. Psalm 40 celebrates deliverance from despair. Christ entered the pit of death on Friday, but God would raise Him up, placing Him forever on the Rock of eternal salvation.
Reflection
The pit is not permanent. Good Friday was not the end—it was the turning point. Psalm 40 reminds us that God lifts us from despair and places us on solid ground. Because Jesus was raised, we too have hope. His suffering ensures our deliverance. No matter how deep the pit, grace goes deeper. On this holy day, we remember that every tear, every pain, every nail, leads to a resurrection greater than we could imagine.
Conclusion
We are pulled into the depths of God’s love and the heart of Christ’s suffering as we reflect on these Psalms this Good Friday. In addition to echoing the suffering of the cross, the psalmists’ screams also urge us in the direction of salvation. Every Psalm is a holy gateway to greater faith in God’s plan, not merely a mirror of grief. The light of promise can be found in the shadows of crucifixion, where suffering is a prelude to glory rather than the conclusion.
As you consider the cross, may these Psalms become your prayers. Allow them to influence your worship, inspire you to turn from your sins, and serve as a constant reminder of God’s unwavering mercy. In addition to being a day of mourning, Good Friday provides an opportunity to see the unwavering love that kept Jesus hanging on the cross. We wait in grief and quiet, and we get ready for the coming joy of resurrection in these sacred words.
