And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (Which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”) Mark 15:34
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10
Facing death on the cross, Jesus was not overwhelmed by His circumstances or surprised by the situation. But that didn’t lessen the pain of His darkest moment when He quoted the first line of the 22nd Psalm, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” As intense as the physical pain was, it was secondary to the pain Christ experienced being separated from God the Father. He was totally alone.
Have you ever felt utterly alone? Within the discomfort of loneliness, our feelings get freaky. The fight or flight reaction kicks in, giving us two choices: turn toward God or turn away from Him.
In tough times, it’s so easy to blame God, to turn away from the only One who can help ease our burdens. When we feel like we’re hanging on for dear life, we might even ask a similar question to what Jesus asked in today’s verse: “God, why are you forsaking me?” But we must remind ourselves that Jesus’ alienation was essential to our rescue. He was willing to be totally alone so we would never have to be. And because He chose to take on the sin that separates us from God, we will never be cut off from the love, hope, power, and forgiveness of our Lord!
So, no matter how alone or isolated you feel, if you have a personal relationship with Jesus, you’ll never have to be discouraged or afraid. He is with you, always! Right now, He’s offering you His victorious right hand!
Write Isaiah 41:10 on a sticky note and place it where you’ll see it throughout the day. Each time you come across the verse, say it aloud to remind yourself to lean on Jesus, that He is with you, and to find your strength in the One who gave it all for you.
Dear Lord, Thank You for being my rock to stand on and shoulder to lean on when I’m lonely and afraid. I choose to rely on Your strength in every situation, big and small, as I keep my eyes fixed on You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.