Matthew 27:46 (NKJV)
46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
We all walk down paths that seem hard at times like we are walking all alone. We look around for comfort and support but it seems there is no one there for us. Sometimes it looks like the world is against us and we have nowhere to turn. Jesus felt that way on the cross as He cried out to God in His suffering.
In Matthew, Jesus is hanging on the cross enduring all the pain and embarrassment. He is feeling very alone because the Father is unable to look at him because of all our sin that Jesus has absorbed. Can you imagine how awful Jesus must have looked carrying all the sins of the world past, present and future? But He saw it through and finished the work the Father gave Him to our benefit.
Didn’t God say He would never leave no forsake us? Deuteronomy 31:6-8 (NKJV) says “6 Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Jesus was quoting Psalm 22 where it asks about being forsaken and abandoned. Later in the Psalm, it says “You have answered me….” It all works out and the Psalmist sings the praises of the Lord.
At times, we feel as if God does not care because we do not hear or see Him act at a given moment. We are not aware of all that is happening around us and we do not know the value and purpose of the trial we currently face. People of faith know that God works all things for the good of those who love Him. They are not always pleasant circumstances. These trials refine us in ways we need. God would not have allowed it if it would not ultimately be for your good. Do you remember the poem Footprints? In the poem, the person notes that at all the difficult times in their life, there were only one set of footprints in the sand making them think they were walking alone when things got tough. God answers them letting them know that the footprints were His as He carried them through the trouble.
Are you facing difficult times? Do you feel alone? When Jesus felt abandoned, He cried out to God. Isn’t that what we should do? And when we cry out, we can be confident that He hears and will care for us. He has never failed in the past. He who promises is faithful. He will not fail now. He loves you more than His own life which He gave up to redeem you on that cross. God carries you in all you do. Lean on Him for your strength. He will never leave nor forsake you!
Lord, hear our cry when we call out to you. Come to us quickly. Show us Your kindness, mercy and grace. Walk with us in the difficult times. I Your name we pray.