There are moments in life when the weight of suffering feels unbearable. In those times, we may find ourselves asking the same question Jesus did on the cross: “Why have You forsaken me?” This cry, uttered by the Son of God, resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt abandoned or overwhelmed by pain. Yet within this anguished plea lies a profound truth about God’s love, His presence in our suffering, and His ultimate plan for redemption.
Matthew 27:46 King James Version
46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
The Depth of Jesus’ Suffering
On the cross, Jesus bore not only excruciating physical pain but also the spiritual weight of humanity’s sin. His cry of forsakenness was not a sign of lost faith but an expression of the immense cost of our salvation. By quoting Psalm 22—a psalm that begins with despair but ends in triumph—Jesus connected His suffering to the fulfilment of Scripture. He took upon Himself the penalty for sin so that we might be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:21).
This moment on the cross reveals both the justice and mercy of God. Justice demanded that sin be punished; mercy provided a substitute in Jesus. As He endured separation from the Father, He made it possible for us to never experience that same separation. In His forsakenness, we find reconciliation.
When We Feel Forsaken
It’s not uncommon to feel abandoned by God during life’s darkest seasons. Whether it’s a devastating loss, a prolonged illness, or a season of unanswered prayers, these moments can shake even the strongest faith. Like Elijah hiding in a cave (1 Kings 19:11-13) or Job crying out in his suffering (Job 3:11), we may wonder where God is amidst our trials.
But Scripture reminds us that God is always near—even when we cannot sense His presence. Psalm 34:18 assures us that “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” When Jesus cried out on the cross, it wasn’t because God had truly abandoned Him. The Father’s love for the Son remained unbroken; what Jesus experienced was the weight of sin and its consequences. Similarly, our feelings of abandonment do not reflect reality. God’s promise remains steadfast: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
God’s Presence in Our Pain
Throughout Scripture, we see examples of God meeting His people in their moments of despair:
- Hagar: Alone in the wilderness with her son Ishmael, Hagar encountered “El Roi,” the God who sees her (Genesis 16:7-13). Her story reminds us that God sees and cares for us even when we feel invisible.
- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: Thrown into a fiery furnace for their faithfulness, they were not alone—God’s presence was with them in the fire (Daniel 3:24-25).
- Mary Magdalene: In her grief at losing Jesus, Mary encountered Him risen from the dead. Her despair turned to joy as she realized He was alive (John 20:11-18).
These stories remind us that God does not abandon His children. Instead, He walks with us through our trials, offering comfort and hope.
The Hope of Resurrection
The story of Jesus’ crucifixion does not end with His cry of forsakenness—it culminates in His resurrection. This triumph over death assures us that no suffering is final and no pain is wasted. Just as Psalm 22 transitions from despair to praise, our lives can move from sorrow to joy through faith in Christ.
When you feel forsaken or weighed down by life’s burdens, remember that your story isn’t over. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in your life (Ephesians 1:19-20). Trust that God is writing a redemptive story through your pain.
Practical Steps to Trust in God’s Presence
- Be Honest with God: Like Jesus on the cross or David in the Psalms, bring your raw emotions before God. He can handle your questions and doubts.
- Meditate on Scripture: Anchor yourself in verses that remind you of God’s promises, such as Romans 8:38-39 (“nothing can separate us from the love of God”).
- Seek Community: Share your struggles with trusted friends or church members who can pray for you and encourage you.
- Look for God’s Fingerprints: Reflect on past experiences where you’ve seen God’s faithfulness. These reminders can strengthen your trust during current trials.
- Worship Through the Pain: Praise shifts our focus from our problems to God’s power and goodness.
Read More About This Devotional
Words of Wisdom: The Heart of Compassion: Embracing Care as a Reflection of God’s Love
Quote of the Day: “Truly, many times, I do not understand how God works. At times, He acts completely differently from how I would act, but He is God”
A Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for enduring separation from the Father so that we might be brought near to Him. In moments when we feel abandoned or overwhelmed by life’s challenges, remind us of Your unchanging presence and love. Help us trust Your promises even when we cannot see Your hand at work. Strengthen our faith and fill us with hope as we wait for Your redemptive plan to unfold in our lives. In Your precious name, we pray, Amen.
Scripture Reading for the Day
Job 27 King James Version
1 Moreover Job continued his parable, and said,
2 As God liveth, who hath taken away my judgment; and the Almighty, who hath vexed my soul;
3 All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils;
4 My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit.
5 God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me.
6 My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live.
7 Let mine enemy be as the wicked, and he that riseth up against me as the unrighteous.
8 For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul?
9 Will God hear his cry when trouble cometh upon him?
10 Will he delight himself in the Almighty? will he always call upon God?
11 I will teach you by the hand of God: that which is with the Almighty will I not conceal.
12 Behold, all ye yourselves have seen it; why then are ye thus altogether vain?
13 This is the portion of a wicked man with God, and the heritage of oppressors, which they shall receive of the Almighty.
14 If his children be multiplied, it is for the sword: and his offspring shall not be satisfied with bread.
15 Those that remain of him shall be buried in death: and his widows shall not weep.
16 Though he heap up silver as the dust, and prepare raiment as the clay;
17 He may prepare it, but the just shall put it on, and the innocent shall divide the silver.
18 He buildeth his house as a moth, and as a booth that the keeper maketh.
19 The rich man shall lie down, but he shall not be gathered: he openeth his eyes, and he is not.
20 Terrors take hold on him as waters, a tempest stealeth him away in the night.
21 The east wind carrieth him away, and he departeth: and as a storm hurleth him out of his place.
22 For God shall cast upon him, and not spare: he would fain flee out of his hand.
23 Men shall clap their hands at him, and shall hiss him out of his place.
