“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalms 22:1)

     These were not only the words of David in the book of Psalms, but also the words of Jesus when he was on the cross.  Jesus knew more about feeling forsaken by God than we ever will—but in his case, it was more than a feeling. For a brief moment, our sinless Savior became sin for us.  He experienced the full penalty of all our transgressions, including the terrible separation that sin causes between us and God. 

     There are times when we can feel as though we have been forsaken, but when we trust in God through our faith in Jesus Christ, we know in our hearts that God has not left us.  This promise is in the Old Testament as well as in Hebrews 13:5, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” God is always with us, and Jesus reminds us of this before he ascends to heaven, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

Prayer: Dear Lord, you know more than anyone how we feel when we are disheartened and discouraged.  We know that you offer us forgiveness of sin when we confess our sins to you, and you allow us to wake up to a bright new day, filled with the promises and unfailing love you provide.  Thank you for being our Lord and Savior.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.