“HAS GOD FORGOTTEN ME?”
(Isaiah 48:1 – 51:23)
“The LORD has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me.” – Isaiah 49:14
We’ve all been there at one time or another. Things happen in our life, and it just feels like the heavens are brass when you pray. It seems like God is far, far away. And, the enemy wants to whisper to you that God has forgotten all about you.
This is the exact condition of Israel, when the prophet Isaiah shares that “Zion said, ‘the Lord has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me.” (49:14) But, thankfully, Isaiah continues with the voice of the Lord to His people. He illustrates first with the example of a mother, who could not of course ever forget her child (:15). He further uses the example of a builder, with Israel engraved on the palm of His hand (:16). He speaks of a warrior who rescues the captive. (:24-26)
My friend, when it seems dark all around you, know that God has not forsaken you, nor could He! The writer of Hebrews 13:5 actually quotes Deuteronomy 31:6-8, saying “I will never leave you nor forsake you!” God is like a friend who sticks closer than a brother! (Proverbs 18:24) If this is a difficult time for you, know that “God is your refuge and your strength, a very present help in trouble!” (Psalm 46:1)
Simple Truth:
When all seems dark and distant, know that God is alive and is your light!
Reflections & Application:
- When you start to go down the “rabbit hole of negativity,” step back and recognize that God has not, now will He ever, forsake you!
- I distinctly recall a very difficult time in my life, and a treasured pastor said to me that “this has come to pass, not to stay!” He prayed for me, and it lifted me up. I have shared the same sentiment to countless others through the years!
- As the hymn of old says, “When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace… when all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay.” On Christ, the Solid Rock I stand!
Closing Prayer…
Heavenly Father, help me to see Your light, even in the midst of surrounding darkness. Help me to trust in You, even when things around me seem to be falling apart. I will keep my faith in You and my eyes on Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.
About our Author
Tim Satryan has been in full time ministry since 1980. He has served five churches in four states. He has also served as the District Youth and Music Director for the PennDel Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God, was the Presbyter for the state of Delaware for over a decade, and for a number of years traveled with the AG Church Multiplication Network, teaching church planting and church revitalization.
READ MORE
March 2 – Reading 61
MARCH 2 - Reading 61by Rev James M. Armpriester, Jr | March 2“A PLACE OF REFUGE”(Numbers 34:1 - 36:13) “Then you shall select cities to be cities of refuge for you, that the manslayer who kills any person without intent may flee there.” — Numbers 35:11 Where do you...
March 1 – Reading 60
MARCH 1 - Reading 60by Rev James M. Armpriester, Jr | March 1“TWISTED”(Numbers 31:1 - 33:56) “And they also killed Balaam the son of Beor with the sword” — Numbers 31:8 Not all who speak for God genuinely follow Him. Some, like Balaam, know the truth yet trade it for...
February 28 – Reading 59
FEBRUARY 28 - Reading 59by Rev James M. Armpriester, Jr | February 28“FAITHFUL WORSHIP AND FAITHFUL PROMISES”(Numbers 28:1 - 30:16) “If a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he...