DISORIENTATION
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Scripture Reading: Psalm 22
My God, my God, why have your forsaken me?
Psalm 22:1
Sometimes followers of Jesus think that negative thoughts about God are somehow an act of unfaith. So they bury the ragged edges of their lives. They sweep frustration, grief, and hurt out of sight. They keep a stiff upper lip, singing “Victory in Jesus” one more time. They hold back from thinking messy thoughts. They avoid chaotic or doubt–filled prayer.
As the ancient prayer book of God’s people, Psalms doesn’t put a blanket over human pain. Rather than conceal misery, psalmists pray it. In full voice, they express their betrayal, loneliness, disease, and anger.
Psalm 22 is quoted by Jesus. In a page–turning story that no one could guess, God’s own Son gathered all our pain and misery and took it with him to the cross. At the center of Christian faith is the God who suffers for us.
Even after Jesus’ immeasurable gift on the cross, we can still suffer. In our own way we may face times when we feel forsaken. In a place and time that is unique to us, we may enter our personal spiritual Sahara. Feelings of desertion, absence, and abandonment are universal among those who have walked the path of faith. Ancient Christians called this Deus Absconditus—the God who is hidden.
Every Christian spends time in the spiritual desert. But, praise God, he is right there in the desert with us!
Prayer
Father, we pray for every person who feels forsaken. We ask for your comfort and presence. We pray in the name of our suffering Savior. Amen
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GET TODAY
My Jesus, thank you die for me and save me from the sin and death. Help me always remember your good and kind, so that I can witness your good news to every person I meet. Thank you, Lord, my savior. Amen
Absolutely nothing can separate us from the true love of Christ;not even suffering nor tribulation… let us remember that in all these things that we are more than conquerors. The crown of glory and eternal life awaits us as we persevere to the end. All we need is the Grace of God. I also want to use this medium to thank God for his blessings upon my life these recent months.He has been awesome to me,praise the lord!!!!
Thank you for this insight. I really needed this one today.