Biblical Answer

Abandonment by God: A Biblical Perspective

Understanding Abandonment

Abandonment by God is a complex issue that can arise when we feel isolated, alone, and disconnected from our Creator. It's a sentiment that can be accompanied by feelings of grumbling, discontent, resentment, distrust, fear, and depression. However, the Bible presents a different perspective on this issue. According to 1 Peter 5:8, we are to be aware of the enemy's schemes and not be susceptible to them. This means that our feelings of abandonment may be rooted in our own struggles, rather than a lack of God's presence.

The Nature of Depression

Depression can be a significant roadblock in our relationship with God. It can cause us to turn inward, away from God and others. In this state, we may feel that God is not present, and our relentless condemnation and pervasive guilt can reinforce this feeling. However, the Bible encourages us to seek God with our whole heart, rather than giving Him a feeble cry after a painful experience. When we look at God, we realize that He is seeking us more than we are seeking Him. As someone once said, "When I was looking for God, He found me." This perspective can help us shift our focus from our circumstances to God's presence and purpose in our lives.

God's Sovereignty and Purpose

The Bible reminds us that God has particular interest in those who have been sinned against, neglected, or abandoned. He has a purpose in our lives, and we are His ambassadors. When we feel abandoned by God, we may need to seek grace to be ashamed of ourselves, rather than resigning ourselves to the thought that God has left us high and dry. This unbelieving pessimism deeply dishonours our great God and His sovereignty over our lives. By acknowledging God's presence and purpose, we can begin to see that our feelings of abandonment are not a reflection of God's absence, but rather a call to surrender and trust in His sovereignty. As we surrender our lives to Him, we can experience His presence and guidance, even in the midst of challenging circumstances.