Biblical Answer

The Feeling of Abandonment by God

The feeling of abandonment by God is a common experience for many people. It is a feeling that can be overwhelming and debilitating, leaving one feeling isolated, alone, and hopeless. When we feel abandoned by God, it is often a sign that we have not surrendered ourselves to Him, and that we do not really trust Him. Abandonment means to refuse ourselves the luxury of asking any questions, and to focus on surrendering everything to God, rather than focusing on the roadblocks of life.

The Problem of Unbelief and Pessimism

When we feel abandoned by God, it is often because we are preoccupied with our own circumstances and are not seeking God with our whole heart. We may be motivated by feelings of guilt, or a sense of "lostness", or we may be driven by a desire for emotional enjoyment of God's blessings. However, these motivations can be misguided, and can lead us to focus on our own needs and desires, rather than on seeking God. Furthermore, when we feel abandoned by God, we may be tempted to believe that God has actually left us, and that nothing will persuade us otherwise. This is a form of unbelief and pessimism, which deeply dishonours our great God.

The Way Out of Feeling Abandoned

The way out of feeling abandoned by God is to seek Him with our whole heart, and to surrender ourselves to Him. This means being honest about our reservations and frustrations, and speaking them to God. It means recognizing the things we are putting ahead of God, and confronting them head-on. It means trusting in God at all times, and seeking His presence and guidance. As J.I. Packer says, "When you find yourself in the midst of suffering, remember that God is seeking you more than you are seeking Him. Seek, and you will find." When we seek God with our whole heart, we will find that He is always present, and that He has not abandoned us. Instead, He has a particular interest in those who have been sinned against, neglected, or abandoned, and He has a purpose in our life. We are God's ambassadors, and we have a role to play in His plan. By seeking God with our whole heart, we can break free from the feeling of abandonment, and experience the life and joy that He has for us.