“Once you are alive in Christ, you are empowered to help others find life in Christ.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – November 5, 2025
And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Mark 15:34
Though Jesus felt forsaken by God, the Savior of the world did not cease loving or obeying His heavenly Father. Being the Lamb of God meant Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice—an unblemished life without sin—to atone for the world’s sin. He took on sin even though He was sinless, so that we might receive divine righteousness. John Calvin gives a glimpse into the depths of Jesus Christ’s suffering. “If Christ had died only a bodily death, it would have been ineffectual… it was expedient that He should feel the dreadful torments of a condemned and lost man. Remaining human and divine, the human side of our Lord felt forsaken by God in His greatest hour of need. Anguish pressed on Jesus’ heart as He gave His life—His greatest love.”
What does it mean to feel forsaken by God? There is a deep sense of the Lord’s absence in our lives when we feel forsaken. Our head knows His promise that I will never leave or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5), but our heart feels spiritually empty and alone. Honesty and humility enable us to acknowledge the solitary situation and express the pain of feeling rejected openly. Just speaking the words has a way of helping us begin to heal and refocus on the love of our Savior. You may discover that following God’s will can be a lonely path when others fade away.
Obedience motivated by love can make us feel as if God is abandoning us. When we choose integrity over compromise, we might not see the Lord’s blessing immediately. In fact, the situation could worsen, causing us to question whether we made the right decision. Still, over time, wisdom is proven through actions, and we begin to see our heavenly Father’s faithful guidance. Grace has a way of leading us to love even when it is inconvenient and uncomfortable. When we forgive an injustice, even if resentment lingers, our love fosters healing instead of harboring hate. The pain may persist, reconciliation might not happen right away, and God may seem silent. Our love and obedience might even leave us feeling exposed and forsaken. As time passes, the Spirit’s quiet work brings healing and freedom from bitterness, and sometimes even restores relationships. What once felt like abandonment becomes evidence of the Lord’s unseen hand, shaping us into the likeness of Christ, who forgave while feeling forsaken on the cross.
So, how do you move from feeling forsaken to embracing the peaceful presence of the Lord? Like Jesus and David (Psalm 10:1), pray, Lord, why do You stand so far off? Trust that He will answer this prayer in His timing. Even when doubt clouds your view of God, prayer shifts your focus from your circumstances to His character. A sense of divine distance can be a test meant to draw you closer than ever to the One who loves you with an everlasting love. The Lord’s vindication will come in His perfect timing, while your role is to forgive and let grace heal your heart. Just as Jesus experienced, a resurrection of hope and life follows the cross of righteous rejection. Once you are alive in Christ, you are empowered to help others find life in Christ.
“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
Prayer
Lord, I rest in Your loving presence and receive Your peace. Calm my anxious heart, quiet my restless mind, and surround me with the comfort of Your unfailing love. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
How can you embrace the peace of God that surpasses all understanding?
Related Reading
Psalm 22:1, 42:5; Galatians 6:2; Philippians 4:6-7
Worship Resource
Genavieve Linkowski: Goodness of God
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