MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?

Our Lord Jesus Christ, though He was fully God incarnate, did not hide or deny the real, human emotions and struggles we all experience on this earth. Many might have imagined that when God came in the flesh, He would walk through the world untouched by human weakness or pain, like an angel among men. But Jesus chose to fully embrace humanity, in all its frailty, so that He might truly redeem and represent us before God.

That’s why Hebrews 2:16-18 (KJV) declares:

 16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

Jesus wept (John 11:35). He hungered (Matthew 4:2). He felt sorrow, anguish, and even the weight of human fear, as seen in Luke 22:42 (KJV), where He prayed:

Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

On the cross, at the climax of His suffering, Jesus cried out:

Matthew 27:46 (KJV)

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

These were not empty words, nor was Jesus reciting them as a formality. He was expressing the true depth of anguish in His soul as He bore the full weight of humanity’s sin. As 2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV) tells us:

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

In that moment, Jesus bore the wrath of God against sin. The holy, sinless Son of God became the sin-bearer. The sense of the Father’s presence was withdrawn — not because the Father stopped loving the Son, but because Jesus stood in our place, under the judgment that we deserved (Isaiah 53:4-6).

Isaiah 53:5 (KJV)

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Though Jesus knew the Father would not ultimately abandon Him, His experience of separation was real. The darkness that covered the land (Matthew 27:45) symbolized the judgment being poured out on Him.

Like David, who felt abandoned during times of distress, Jesus gave voice to His agony. Psalm 22, which begins with the very words Jesus spoke, prophetically described His suffering:

Psalm 22:1 (KJV)

My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?

But that psalm does not end in despair. It points to victory:

Psalm 22:24 (KJV)

For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.

Even in your own trials — whether you are facing chronic illness, loss, persecution, or long unanswered prayers — remember that God sees your suffering. As Deuteronomy 31:6 (KJV) reminds us:

 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

And as Paul assures believers:

 Romans 8:38-39 (KJV)

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Though God sometimes seems silent, His silence is not abandonment. Jesus’ suffering was necessary for the glory that followed — His resurrection, His exaltation, and the redemption of all who believe. So too, in your life, your trial may be part of a greater purpose that you cannot yet see. As Romans 8:28 (KJV) promises:

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

A Word of Encouragement

If you have trusted Christ as your Savior and you are walking with Him, know this: God has not despised your pain. He is not displeased with you. He has not hidden His face. From the moment you called upon Him, He heard you. And in His perfect time, He will act.

 Galatians 6:9 (KJV)

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Hold fast. Your miracle will come. Your trial has meaning in God’s greater plan. Just as Christ’s suffering brought salvation to the world, your endurance may be a testimony to many, and it will glorify God.

So press on in faith. The Lord Jesus Christ will surely reveal Himself on your behalf. He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, will He not also freely give us all things? (Romans 8:32).

May God richly bless you. Please share this message so others may be encouraged. And may the Lord strengthen your heart as you wait upon Him.

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