Biblical Answer

The Experience of Feeling Abandoned by God

The experience of feeling abandoned by God can be a deeply painful and confusing one. When we are going through a difficult time, it's natural to wonder if God is still with us, if He cares, or if He is even aware of our struggles. This feeling of abandonment can be especially intense when we feel like we've been praying and seeking God's help, but we don't see any immediate response or relief.

God's Sovereignty and Purpose

However, the Bible teaches us that God is sovereign over all creation and that He has a purpose in our lives. Even when we feel abandoned, God is still working out His plan and will. As the prophet Jeremiah wrote, "Has not my house been abandoned to me? And the Lord says, 'Because they have forsaken my law that was given to me by my people, and have not obeyed my words, but have followed hard after the idols that were around them, and the house of Israel has polluted my name, they have made the ordinances of my sabbaths to be forgotten, and have polluted my sabbaths' (Jeremiah 23:1-8). This passage shows us that God has a particular interest in those who have been sinned against, neglected, or abandoned. He is not absent or distant, but rather, He is actively working to bring about His purposes in our lives.

Abandonment as Surrender

The feeling of abandonment can also be an opportunity for us to surrender to God's sovereignty and trust in His goodness. As the Bible teaches, "Abandon yourself, and you will find God." When we abandon ourselves and our circumstances to God, we are able to trust in His goodness and love, even when we don't understand what is happening. We can remember that God has suffered for us, and that He loves us deeply. He doesn't ask us to believe because He is on a divine ego trip, but because He wants to have a relationship with us and to bring about His purposes in our lives. As we surrender to God and trust in His goodness, we can experience His presence and guidance, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.