Feeling Forsaken by God: Biblical Examples and Hope in Christ

Have You Ever Felt Forsaken by God?

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34)

These are the words of Jesus Christ on the cross. In that moment, he felt abandoned by God. He felt alone, betrayed, and forsaken. Have you ever felt that way? Have you ever felt like God has abandoned you?

Perhaps you’ve experienced a devastating loss or a painful betrayal. Maybe you’ve struggled with chronic illness or a difficult relationship. Whatever your situation, if you’ve ever felt forsaken by God, you’re not alone.

In this article, we’ll explore the experience of feeling forsaken by God, the biblical examples of those who have felt this way, and ultimately, the hope we have in Christ.

What Does It Mean to Feel Forsaken by God?

Feeling forsaken by God can take many forms. It can be a feeling of abandonment, as if God has left you alone in your pain. It can be a feeling of betrayal, as if God has broken his promises to you. It can be a feeling of confusion, as if God’s plan for your life doesn’t make sense.

Whatever form it takes, feeling forsaken by God is a deeply painful and disorienting experience. It can leave us feeling hopeless, lost, and alone.

Biblical Examples of Feeling Forsaken by God

Throughout the Bible, we see examples of people who have felt forsaken by God. Let’s take a look at a few of these examples:

Job

Job was a man who experienced unimaginable loss and suffering. He lost his children, his wealth, and his health. In the midst of his pain, Job cried out:

"I cry out to you, God, but you do not answer; I stand up, but you merely look at me." (Job 30:20)

Job felt abandoned by God. He felt like God was ignoring his cries for help.

David

David was a man after God’s own heart, but he also experienced moments of doubt and despair. In Psalm 22, David cries out:

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?" (Psalm 22:1)

David felt forsaken by God. He felt like God was distant and unresponsive.

Jesus

As we mentioned earlier, Jesus himself experienced the feeling of being forsaken by God. On the cross, he cried out:

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Mark 15:34)

Jesus felt the weight of the sin of the world on his shoulders, and in that moment, he felt abandoned by God.

The Hope We Have in Christ

So, what do we do when we feel forsaken by God? How do we find hope in the midst of our pain?

First and foremost, we can take comfort in the fact that we are not alone in our suffering. Jesus himself experienced the feeling of being forsaken by God, so he understands what we’re going through.

Furthermore, we can trust that God is with us even when we can’t feel his presence. In Hebrews 13:5, God promises:

"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)

Even when we feel like God has abandoned us, he is still with us. He is still working in our lives, even if we can’t see it.

Finally, we can take hope in the fact that God can bring beauty out of our pain. Romans 8:28 says:

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

God can take even the worst things that happen to us and use them for our good and his glory. We may not be able to see how right now, but we can trust that he is working all things together for our good.

Conclusion

Feeling forsaken by God is a painful and disorienting experience, but it’s not the end of the story. As we’ve seen, we’re not alone in our suffering. Jesus himself experienced the feeling of being forsaken by God, so he understands what we’re going through. We can also trust that God is with us even when we can’t feel his presence, and that he can bring beauty out of our pain.

If you’re feeling forsaken by God today, know that you’re not alone. Reach out to a trusted friend or pastor for support and encouragement. Spend time in prayer and in God’s Word, and ask him to help you trust him even in the midst of your pain. And remember, the hope we have in Christ is greater than any pain or suffering we may experience in this life.