Matthew 27:46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli,[a] lemasabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).
As part of our study on the final words of Jesus from the cross, we pondered on the above verse from Matthew in our youth group discussion yesterday. Certainly if Jesus himself can feel forsaken by God, then so can we! This needs a closer look.
To be forsaken is to be abandoned or deserted – to be ditched. Being forsaken evokes feelings of loneliness, worthlessness, or anger, depending on the circumstances. Who among us hasn’t felt forsaken by God or others at some point in their lives? When facing times of deep despair within life, words can’t always articulate the perception of abandonment and desertion by God. And yet the feelings are there. Why did God allow this to happen? Where was God in the midst?
When we are on the brink, it is helpful to listen to the silence. God can be heard in the stillness of meditation, in the beauty of nature, or the joyful harmony of music. These are places where words are unnecessary, yet they can speak volumes to our souls. Go to the “quiet” and find God’s rest. In my own personal journey, I have felt God’s presence most in those moments of awe and quiet.
In our youth discussion, we also talked about the importance of a faith community in those times of feeling forsaken. Our faith journey was never meant to be traveled alone. We are to reach out to our siblings in Christ in their need – and in ours. How powerful is the prayer of a friend, a kind word extended, a scripture verse shared, a meal delivered?
In our darkest moments, may we remember the promise of God never to leave us or to forsake us. He is there. Always.
Blessings,
Diana
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