Biblical Answer

The Feeling of Abandonment: Understanding the Root Cause

When we feel abandoned by God, it's essential to understand that this feeling often stems from our own actions or lack thereof. We may be holding onto self-reliance, refusing to surrender our lives to God, and instead, trying to navigate our circumstances on our own. This can lead to a sense of isolation and disconnection from God. As the quote suggests, "When I was looking for God, He found me." This implies that God is actively seeking us, but we must be willing to seek Him as well. If we're preoccupied with our own thoughts, emotions, and circumstances, we may miss the opportunity to connect with God.

The Role of Self-Doubt and Condemnation

Self-doubt and condemnation can also contribute to the feeling of abandonment. When we're struggling with depression, it's common to turn inward and focus on our own pain and struggles. This can lead to a sense of hopelessness and despair, causing us to question God's presence or care. Furthermore, if we're prone to self-criticism and condemnation, we may feel like God is judging us or abandoning us. However, it's essential to remember that God's love and presence are not dependent on our emotions or circumstances. He is always seeking us, even when we feel like we're alone.

The Importance of Seeking God

To overcome the feeling of abandonment, we must seek God with our whole heart. This requires a willingness to surrender our lives, our thoughts, and our emotions to Him. We must narrow our focus and interests to this one thing – seeking God. As the Bible says, "Seek, and you will find." (Matthew 7:7-8) When we seek God, we must be willing to let go of our self-reliance and trust in His sovereignty. This can be a challenging but ultimately liberating experience, as we come to realize that God is always present and seeking us, even when we feel like we're alone.