Do you feel that the whole of mankind has forsaken you? Was it mother, father, sister, brother, pastor, employer, friend, or a court of law even? You know sometimes it's best that we taste some of the evil in the world so that we would truly come to know what is good by contrast.

When we experience a rainy day, we wish for a sunny day, preferring to be outdoors to enjoy that realm. We come to know what a wonderful day is by knowing what a rainy, overcast day has been. In my free-spirited adolescent days, I tasted some of the evil in the world by choice, and so later when I was enlightened I saw the contrast; or rather I answered the call from the Lord. Then life changed for the better. To feel forsaken is quite a normal human feeling, of course. But if we are made in God's image and likeness, then how could we ever feel forsaken, only perhaps if we have gravely sinned? We may feel this way for a time, but that is meant to get our undivided attention, to make sure we don't solely rely on our own insight. The Lord has said that sins ought to be forgiven, even as many times as seventy times seven (paraphrased), but we must also ask to be delivered from presumptuous sins.

We are never forsaken by God,though. As you and I love our children, if you are a parent, that is, God loves us even more. Look at the cross once again. It is a symbol of suffering and shame, and yet it has brought unsurpassed joy to this world. Of course the reason being is that Jesus saw PAST the cross. God loves us on an unconditional level. How marvelous!  When children are disciplined by their parents, isn't it out of love? God also disciplines us out of his great love for mankind. He doesn't force anything on us for we all know; we're not puppets, and yet he reveals himself to all. He gave us free will, unlike any other living thing. Consider this: "Hope deferred makes the heart sick" (Proverbs 13: 12).

When we feel forsaken in any way, we must focus on the purpose of our existence instead of bemoaning the circumstances we have been dealt in life. We must tend to the intrinsic values we have been given. Reading spiritual books can help our direction. We are called to have abundant life, even in the midst of anarchy and despair. Jesus tells us that the kingdom is WITHIN us. Few of us respond completely to the free gifts of God, me included. We tend to see the shortcomings of others instead of focusing on our own shortcomings. You know that when you point your finger at another, three of them are pointed back at you! When we strive to comfort one another, then the feelings of being forsaken diminish. God does allow suffering and grief in our lives sometimes, but that is meant to bring us to prayer; to bring us closer to him. Fasting is another way to get close to the heart of God.

In closing, consider the following: "The Lord will provide" (Genesis 22: 14). How could we ever feel forsaken if we truly obey God with all our strength? By obeying God, with faith, Abraham kept his son, Isaac, and the Lord provided the ram for the requested sacrifice.