When You Feel Abandoned by God

Friend, what do you do when you feel abandoned by God? Abandoned. Left alone. Mistreated.

Feeling abandoned by God at a difficult time can be one of the most devastating emotions, sweeping through our hearts like a cold poison, taking away our hope, and leaving us reeling back in terror and anguish.

Recently, I exchanged several voice messages with a dear friend, who goes through the harsh and heart-breaking season of ugly divorce. More and more pain accumulates and my heart breaks for her when I listen to her tear-filled voice, throwing this question, „Why does God allow all this? Where is He?”

She feels abandoned by God and I can completely understand. There were times when I also felt abandoned and even betrayed by God. I know how it feels to think that God doesn’t care and doesn’t provide as I have hoped.

What do we do when we feel abandoned by God? Are there helpful ways and truths to lean on that can take us out of the dark cocoon of hopelessness and direct our hearts to the light?

I am pondering these questions while I reflect on my experience and try to find healing words for my friend’s wound.

Remember to pin me for later!

Feeling abandoned by God at a difficult time can be one of the most devastating emotions. Here is an encouragement for you. #encouragement #trustGod #hope Share on X

The Most Powerful Truth When You Feel Abandoned by God

Do you know that as a believer,  there is one truth, the most powerful one, that can completely change your outlook regarding the possibility of being abandoned by God?

We find this truth in John 14:20: „On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.”

Jesus is in us through the indwelling Holy Spirit, and we are in Him. Forever. Let the implication of this fundamental truth wash over you. What does this mean?

It means we have the closest possible connection with the Lord, which is unbreakable and eternal.

He is closer to us, and we are closer to Him, more than any other human being can be. Because of this intimate connection, the Lord can’t abandon us theoretically and practically! We are forever connected and united with Him.

He is in you, and you are in Him. Now and forever. Nothing can separate you from Him and His love. (Romans 8:38-39)

The Presence of the Lord in the Deepest Trauma–Joseph’s Example

We are all familiar with the story of Joseph in the Old Testament, who was betrayed and sold into slavery by his brothers. This was just the beginning of a series of traumatic events of further betrayals, false accusations, imprisonments, and mistreatment.

Looking at his life and circumstances, we are tempted to think (and perhaps he was tempted, too) that the Lord has abandoned Him. For years, things were going from bad to worse.

But, we find in the narrative about Joseph this recurring statement that changes everything: „The Lord WAS WITH Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did. “ (Genesis 39:23)

The Lord was with Joseph—every step of the way.

The Lord was Joseph in the time of his deepest trauma and suffering. He provided the strength to endure, the wisdom and insight, the hope and the power to live a righteous life. The eternal arms held Joseph tightly and comforted him. The Spirit of the Lord directed Joseph’s heart and actions.

I believe Joseph was fully aware of the unwavering, loving presence of God with him, otherwise, he would not have survived and become the person and the leader ruling over Egypt. Joseph trained himself to seek and trust God amidst the hardest circumstances.

The Lord is with us. That changes everything. #encouragement #hope #restoration Share on X

Processing Our Feelings of Abandonment – David’s Example

David, a man after God’s heart, also sometimes struggled with feelings of being abandoned by God. Psalm 71 depicts well his emotional and mental state, and how he processed his painful feelings. 

We can learn a lot from the way he approached the Lord, his lament, and his declaration of trust.

David shares openly his angst about being forsaken and abandoned by the Lord when he gets old in verses 9 to 11. „Do not cast me away when I am old, do not forsake me when my strength is gone.”

And then again in verse 18: „Even when I am old and grey, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.“

After sharing his fears of abandonment and anxiety, David makes an astounding declaration of faith, boldly proclaiming his expectancy of experiencing God’s restoration and comfort in his life once again.

„Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth, you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once more.“ (Psalm 71:20-21)

We can follow his inspiring example and hold on to God’s constant presence, unfailing love, and good plans for our lives.

How God Uses the Darkness of Pain and Suffering to Bless Us

You can learn more about why and how God uses pain and hardships to shape us and bless us in my book, “Draw Near: How Painful Experiences Become the Birthplace of Blessings.”

Do you want to draw near to God when you are tempted to pull away amidst painful and traumatic experiences? Do you long for the transformation of your painful story into a story of preparation, empowerment, fruitfulness, and growth?

Let me take you on a journey through 13 painful experiences, showing the precious blessings in each of them.

More Encouragement for You

If you need more resources, encouragement, and comfort when you go through pain, suffering, and shaking, I highly recommend these books. Check them out.

Trusting God in All the Things: 90 Devotions for Finding Peace in Your Every Day by Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk

Make Up Your Mind: Unlock Your Thoughts, Transform Your Life by Denise Dubois Pass and Michelle Nietert

Life Can Be Good Again by Lisa Appelo

It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lisa Terkeurst

Hope When Life Unravels: Finding God When It Hurts by Adam Dooley

Restoration Year – a 365 Days Devotional by John Eldredge

All Things New by John Eldredge

Hope for the Hard Days by Sarah Geringer

Lean into Grace by Stacey Pardoe

This page contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. The commission I make from these items will help keep this blog going. Thank you!

Your Turn

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