How can we respond when feeling God has "forsaken" us, per Psalm 27:9? Opening Text “Hide not Your face from me; do not push Your servant away in anger. You have been my helper. Do not leave me or forsake me, O God of my salvation.” (Psalm 27:9) Key Observation David prays honestly. He feels the threat of abandonment yet clings to the God he calls “my salvation.” His words model how to turn raw emotion into renewed confidence. Responding When the Feeling of Forsakenness Hits • Speak to God, not about Him. David directs his fear toward God in prayer, refusing to let silence widen the gap. • Remind yourself of His past help: “You have been my helper.” Memory fuels faith. • Ask boldly for present mercy: “Do not leave me.” Scripture encourages candid petitions (Hebrews 4:16). • Affirm who God is: “O God of my salvation.” Title Him by His proven character. Why God Has Not Truly Forsaken Us • His promise stands: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) • Christ experienced real forsakenness on the cross—“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46)—so we never will in ultimate sense. • The Holy Spirit abides forever (John 14:16-18). Feeling abandoned is not the same as being abandoned. Practical Steps of Faith 1. Open the Word daily; faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17). 2. Vocalize trust aloud—sing, read psalms, declare truths (Psalm 42:5). 3. Stay with the flock; isolation amplifies doubt (Hebrews 10:24-25). 4. Serve someone else; obedience realigns perspective (Galatians 6:9-10). 5. Record answered prayers to revisit “You have been my helper.” Encouraging Examples from Scripture • Joseph in prison (Genesis 39 – 41): “The LORD was with Joseph.” • Elijah under the broom tree (1 Kings 19): God sent food, rest, and a gentle whisper. • Paul, deserted by people yet confident: “The Lord stood by me and strengthened me.” (2 Timothy 4:16-17) Conclusion Feelings fluctuate, but God’s covenant love does not. Echo David: cry honestly, remember faithfully, and cling tenaciously to the One who saves. |
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