WHEN LIFE IS TOUGH, it’s easy to think, Where is God in all this? Even the psalmists had ties when it seemed God was a million miles away, and they didn’t hesitate to tell Him so, as Psalm 22:1 reads: My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help?
But while such times can feel lonely-even scary-they can actually be precious. They can strengthen our faith, for we must learn to trust even when we cannot “feel.” Difficult experiences remind us not to take God for granted, to remember that He is the Lord of glory, not just some friend who comes around when needed; and they allow hidden matters of the heart to come to the surface, wehre God can deal with them. But remember: Even if we don’t feel God’s presence, there is nowhere that His presence cannot be found; so we needn’t fear He has left us.
Jesus quoted the opening words of Psalm 22:1 when He was suffering on the cross and experiencing the weight of the worlds sin. He felt completely abandoned by his Father. But He knew that He wasn’t for other cries followed: “It is finished!”(John 19:30) and “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!”(Luke 23:46)-cries of victory and trust. Jesus’ death and his resurrection three days later assure us that as we trust in our heavely Father, we will never be cut off from Him.
No matter how you might feel today, God really is right there with you.
My favorite verse I repeat so many times: It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” – Deuteronomy 31:6-8
