How to Handle Affliction and SufferingSample

Feeling forsaken by God

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?” (Psalm 22:1)

Jesus has promised to be with his children always, until the end of time. However, it does not always feel like that! Sometimes we feel so lonely and miserable that it seems God has forsaken us.

Some Christians think these thoughts should be suppressed because they are sinful. But, usually, suppressing our feelings does not solve the problem… In many Psalms, the authors cry out to God and tell Him about their emotions. For example, in Psalm 22. This song opens straight away with the desperate question: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

David pours out his heart for the Lord. He tells why he is so desperate, and how other people mock him for his trust in God. But he also begs God, “Oh you my help, come quickly to my aid!” (Psalm 22:19). Somehow, David still knows that God is there and He hears his groaning. The good thing about this Psalm is that David shares the outcome with us as well. God has not hidden His face from him, but has heard when he cried to Him (Psalm 22:24).

If you feel forsaken by God, keep praying! May Psalm 22 encourage you. Even when you feel desperate and alone, He hears.