I read an interesting scripture from I Samuel 7:2 yesterday that referenced Israel. It said, “During that time, all Israel mourned because it SEEMED the Lord had abandoned them.” I had to pause as I read that to reflect on two conversations I have had this week with pastors. One was a seasoned worship pastor of 26 years, who had pretty much been beaten up and ended up getting done full-time ministry with a heart full of distrust. The second was with a pastor who has been in ministry for over 15 years and said these exact words to me. “I feel like God has abandoned me.” He too is no longer in full-time ministry.
Has there been a time in your life that you thought God might have left you? How do we measure that? Maybe we don’t feel the nearness of God. Perhaps the circumstances didn’t turn out as we had planned. Maybe the heaviness of life with its day-to-day struggles and demands has left you feeling overwhelmed. For one friend recently it was the financial burden and feeling like he is not providing for his family that has led him to feel like God has not been there for him and that he is a failure.
I think we all at one time or another have felt like this. If you are in leadership of any kind there are times when the loneliness and weight you carry can make you feel isolated and all alone. It comes with the job description, only it’s unwritten! Even Jesus felt forsaken by His Father.
I wrote down a few thoughts to reflect on during seasons of feeling abandoned.
- Lean into the foundation of your faith, not your feelings. You may not feel what you believe, but deep down you know what the Bible says and what is true. You won’t know what faith is until you need it. Take some time to understand what is causing the feelings. Are they due to a specific event or perhaps a physical reason, like stress or not sleeping?
- Spiritual Disciplines are key during this process. Even when it feels difficult or mechanical. Continuing to do what you know is right will give you the space you need to process and get to the other side of this. Expressing your feelings honestly to God can be a form of catharsis.
- Seek help. The first thing we do during these times is isolate. Pull away from those closest to us. Or there are times we might feel abandoned by those we thought would be there for us. Connecting with others who share your faith or similar experiences can provide support. An empathetic ear can make all the difference. Not to even get answers, but to feel seen and heard. Seek guidance and reassurance from a friend or leader.
- Fill your cup with the things that replenish you. For me, getting out for a walk or run gives me time to process and reflect. I typically see things differently when I am done. Read inspirational texts, and books or listen to podcasts. Find comfort in something healthy. Don’t revert to old habits of addiction or pain cover-up.
- Create a space for gratitude. You may not see it now, but when you look back you will see the hand of God and His faithfulness all along. Chances are if He was faithful before, He will be again. Look for moments of beauty and kindness in everyday life. Do something for someone else.
- Be patient with yourself. Most likely this is not a life sentence but rather a season. it’s okay to feel lost or abandoned. Healing and finding your faith can take some time. Seasons do change. They are not forever.
When we allow them to, these times can become our greatest place of growth. Change is hard. Disappointments are real. But so isn’t the goodness of God. I read early this morning from Psalms 27:13, “Yet I am confident that I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.” Things aren’t always as they seem. His goodness is still chasing you. You are not alone.
