“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” — Matthew 27:46
It’s a question that echoes in the hearts of many:
“God, where were You?”
Where were You when I was abandoned?
Where were You when I cried myself to sleep?
Where were You when I was betrayed, abused, or left behind?
If you’ve ever asked that question, you’re not alone. Even Jesus, in His darkest moment on the cross, cried out in anguish. And yet, even in that silence, God was still present.
When God Feels Distant
Pain has a way of making God feel far away.
We wonder if He’s forgotten us.
We question His goodness.
We wrestle with silence.
But here’s the truth: God’s silence is not His absence.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18
He was there—in the hospital room, in the empty bedroom, in the moment your heart broke. He was there, even when you couldn’t feel Him.
God Doesn’t Waste Pain
God doesn’t cause all pain, but He can redeem it.
He can take the most broken parts of your story and use them to bring healing, strength, and purpose.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” — Romans 8:28
Your pain is not pointless. Your tears are not wasted. Your story is not over.
How to Hold On When It Hurts
- Be honest with God– He can handle your questions, your anger, your grief.
- Look for His fingerprints– Even in the dark, He leaves signs of His love.
- Let others walk with you– You don’t have to carry this alone.
- Anchor yourself in truth– God is still good. God is still near. God is still working.
Prayer
God, I don’t always understand why things happened the way they did. Sometimes I feel like You were far away. But today, I choose to believe that You never left me. Help me to see You in my pain. Heal the places in me that still feel abandoned. And remind me that You are always near. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- Have you ever felt abandoned by God? What was that moment like?
- What would it look like to invite God into your pain instead of pushing Him away?
- Can you think of a time when God brought something good out of something hard?