How can believers find comfort when feeling abandoned, as in Psalm 38:11? The Cry of David “ ‘My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds; my neighbors stay far away.’ ” (Psalm 38:11) The Pain of Isolation • David’s honesty lets believers admit their own sense of abandonment without shame. • Physical pain (“my wounds”) and relational loss (“friends…neighbors”) combine to deepen distress. • The verse shows that even faithful servants can feel deserted; the feeling itself is no proof of God’s displeasure. Scriptural Invitations to Draw Near • Psalm 34:18 — “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit.” • Isaiah 41:10 — “Do not fear, for I am with you… I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” • Hebrews 13:5 — “I will never leave you, nor will I ever forsake you.” • Matthew 28:20 — “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” The Presence of the Lord: Never Forsaken • God’s covenant promise outweighs shifting human support. • Jesus fulfilled and proved this promise: “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:18) • Even when friends fail, God stands “at David’s right hand” (Psalm 16:8) and “holds my right hand” (Psalm 73:23). Comfort Through Christ’s Own Abandonment • On the cross Jesus cried, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46, quoting Psalm 22:1). • Because He endured true abandonment in bearing sin, believers will never face it. • Romans 8:38-39 confirms that nothing “will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Practical Ways to Rest in God’s Nearness • Meditate on promises aloud; personalize them (“You are with me,” Psalm 23:4). • Sing or read psalms of lament and trust (Psalm 42, 73, 139). • Remember past deliverances (Psalm 77:11-12) to combat current feelings. • Seek fellowship with the body of Christ; God often comforts through His people (2 Corinthians 7:6). • Serve others in small ways; giving help often reminds the heart of God’s ongoing work through us. • Replace anxious self-talk with prayerful petition and thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6-7). Encouragement From Tested Believers • Paul: “At my first defense no one stood with me… but the Lord stood by me and strengthened me.” (2 Timothy 4:16-17) • Hagar: deserted in the wilderness yet naming God “El Roi — the God who sees me” (Genesis 16:13). • Joseph: betrayed by brothers yet later testified, “God sent me ahead of you to preserve life.” (Genesis 45:5) Looking Forward in Hope • Revelation 21:3-4 promises an eternal future where God “will wipe away every tear,” ending all loneliness. • Until then, believers walk by faith, assured that the One who promises is faithful (Hebrews 10:23). |
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