How to Pray When You Feel Abandoned by God
Have you ever felt abandoned by God?
Have you experienced times when you’ve taken your needs to God and it feels like He’s not listening?
You’re still sick. Your heart is still broken. You still don’t have a job and your need is still unmet.
Yesterday, we looked at Jesus prayer…
“My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
Matthew 26:39
Today, we’re going to look at what God’s will allowed and reading about Jesus’ suffering in Matthew 27 is really hard for me. It’s easy for me to talk about His teaching, His miracles, His resurrection and even His ascension.
But His suffering…
- as the crowds shouted, “Crucify Him!” v.22,23
- as the soldiers “flogged” Him with a “lead-tipped whip.” v. 26
- as they pushed a crown of thorns onto His head. v. 29
- as they nailed Him to the cross. Matthew v. 35
- as passersby mocked Him. Matthew v. 42
- as He cried out:
“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”
Matthew 27:46
- as He released His spirit and died. v. 50
The truth is . . . Jesus experienced physical and spiritual separation from God so you and I would never have to. We may experience times of waiting and times when God seems quiet but Jesus promised that His Spirit will never leave those who place their trust in Him.
I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.
John 14:16
A Prayer for Times When You Feel Abandoned by God
Today, we’re going to take our needs to the Lord in faith trusting that He is always with us even when our waiting seems long and we feel abandoned.
Lord Jesus, I am overwhelmed by Your love. You gave up everything for me. You were abandoned by God, Your Father, while you were on the cross so that all who believe in You might never be abandoned for all eternity. You suffered an unimaginable punishment that we might be declared not guilty. And now you once again sit on Your throne next to God, the Father.
Your Word says:
Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. (Romans 8:34)
He is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf. (Hebrews 7:25)
So, I will continue to pray, even when the wait seems long. I will continue to trust Your promises even when the journey is arduous. I will continue to love You and those you place around me to follow Your example. I will cling to Your promises confident that when You are with me . . . it is well with my soul. Amen.
Whatever you are facing today, know that Jesus loves you and that He has promised that through His Spirit, He will be faithful to give you courage, strength, peace, wisdom, hope, love, and so much more.
On today’s note write:
Because of Jesus, I will never be abandoned by God!
God bless you today as you place your faith and hope in Jesus.
When I first got saved nearly 20 years ago, an older lady told me that there would be times in my life that Gid would seem no where in sight. She said you will not feel His presence. You will feel as though He has left you. She said when this happens keep reading His word, keep praying, and keep praising Him. You will feel His presence in time. Over nearly 20 years of walking with the Lord, this has happened to me. It is an awful experience, but thanks be to God, He never leaves or forsakes. Praise His Holy Name!! Thank you Lord. I could never make it in this life without Him.
Sheronda, your friend sounds like a lovely wise mentor. That is wonderful advice . . . keep reading, keep praying, keep praise. Amen! I love it! Thanks so much for sharing it with us. God bless you!
Even when we feel abandoned, our hearts should tell us that we never are. Jesus’ promise to be with us always is as true today as it was when He made it.
Blessings, Deb!
By grace and by faith . . . His promises are true always and forever. God be with you, my friend!
Hi Deb….thank you beyond words can express how much your spiritual words of comfort have been healing for my soul. I left a high mind control religion (JW’s) this past yr & because of my spiritual awakening my family has labeled me apostate & are shunning me, I haven’t heard a word from my parents since last June. This cuts to my heart but the grace I’ve learned about & received (not undeserved kindness as JW’s teach) has overfilled my heart. Your devotional bk is a life saver too (literally!). Thank you, thank you!!! Laurel ????
Laurel, you absolutely made my day! Thank you so very much! I love being able to study God’s Word and share what the Lord has taught and is teaching me. Every day is an adventure . . . one that He travels with us and that is a blessing I love proclaiming. I’m so glad my book is encouraging you, too. May the Lord continue to bless you and encourage you with His beautiful truth!
Even knowing the reason Jesus had to suffer for me, it still breaks my heart and brings me to tears reading about the torcher He went through before he gave up His spirit. I can not fathom with my human mind how much love God has for us. How humbling that is for me and how thankful I am for all his blessings. May I never forget what a gift was given to me.
It is hard to think about, isn’t it? What overwhelming love He has for us! His blessings change everything for us. Thanks so much for sharing these beautiful thoughts and blessing us all with your statement of faith. God bless you!
Thank You Deb !???? I KNOW HE Will NEVER LEAVE or FORSAKE me . I Just Don’t FEEL His Presence . BUT I KNOW HE Speaks Through NATURE And OTHERS???????? Our dogs Will Come And Lick My RIGHT Hand WHEN I’m THINKING Something .And I Also Started Reading YOUR Book????????VERY COOL ????????that there’s A Place To Write! G-d♥️Bless
I think we all have times when we don’t “feel” the Lord’s presence. It’s why I’m so thankful for His promise that He IS with us whether we feel Him or not! His promises give me hope and keep me forever SEEKing with His help. Blessings to you!
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