Have you ever felt forsaken? It is not wrong to have those feelings. King David was a man after God's own heart. He delighted in the LORD, but there were times when he felt forsaken.
There were times David felt forsaken by people. He wrote: "But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people. All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads; 'He trusts in the LORD; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, for he delights in him!'" (Psalms 22:6-8 ESV).
There were times David felt forsaken by God. He wrote: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest" (Psalms 22:1-2 ESV).
In the midst of these feelings, David did not allow his TRUST in God to waiver. He did not allow his feelings to diminish his TRUST in the LORD. He said: "Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel" (Psalms 22:3 ESV).
David was transparent, telling God exactly how he felt, but not allowing his feelings to destroy his TRUST. In the midst of feeling forsaken, he knew God was still on the throne; God was in control. A heart after God's own heart learns to TRUST God in all situations and circumstances.
David felt he was forsaken by people and by God. At the cross, Christ was forsaken by people, and He, as David, felt forsaken by God. Grasping for his last breath, "Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, 'Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?' that is, 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?'" (Matthew 27:46 ESV). Jesus felt forsaken by God on the cross, but still trusted God. He suffered and died, but God resurrected and re-glorified Him.
Beloved, continue to TRUST God. God is on the throne; He is in control. Don't trust your feelings. Instead, communicate your feelings to God as David and Jesus did. TRUST the LORD. He will never forsake you. That's a promise He has given in His Word.
May God give you a mighty baptism of His presence even this day. His Word will accomplish this in your heart.
Know that you are loved,
