Have you ever felt abandoned by God? Perhaps you were walking through a difficult season and could not sense His presence. When our eyes stay fixed on our problems, we can lose sight of our Father and His sovereign plan. But when we turn back to what Scripture says about God and His promises, His light begins to shine again.
In Sunday’s passage, we see Jesus in the darkest moment of His life. The earth had been covered in darkness for three hours, from noon until 3:00 p.m., as the sin of the world—past, present, and future—was laid upon Him. From the cross, Jesus cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Was He truly forsaken? Was He alone as He fulfilled the very purpose for which He came? No. The Father had not abandoned Him. That is why these words were followed by His triumphant declaration, “It is finished,” and His faithful surrender: “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.”
Jesus gives us this promise in Matthew 28:20: “. . . And behold, I am with you ALWAYS, to the end of the age.” No matter what we face—and even when we have willfully sinned against Him—God is near. He will lead us through every trial. If we have sinned, He will lead us to repentance and restoration. His love is faithful and enduring. So when you begin to doubt His presence, return to His Word. Read again the promises of His nearness, His steadfast love, and the eternal hope we have through Jesus. In the darkness, you will find a ray of light that grows brighter and brighter.
Pastor Phillip
