When You Feel Forsaken

And at three Jesus cried out with a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lemá sabachtháni?" which is translated, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" - Mark 15:34

If you have ever felt abandoned by the Father, you are not alone. Apparently, His own Son felt it, as well.

Ultimately, we who follow Christ Jesus understand the utter necessity of that "forsaking" and, no doubt, Jesus understood it as well. Yet, understanding and experiencing, particularly at such an infinite level, are two very different things. Jesus felt abandoned, but He did not let these feelings keep Him from the accomplishment of His task. His will, desire, and commitment to the Father's glory kept Him on the cross.

God may allow us to experience His abandonment. In the midst of such an experience it is difficult to understand any divine purpose, but it exists. Be not dismayed. It will neither be forever, nor for long, though be assured it will be for Him.

If you live for any joy on earth, you may be forsaken; but, oh, live for Jesus, and he will never forsake you! - Matthew Simpson