Have you ever felt like the Lord had forgotten you? Suffering does not mean you are forgotten. Often, when we are going through a trial or enduring some type of suffering, we tend to think the Lord has forgotten about us.
During this time, we are usually looking down instead of looking up to our heavenly Father. The psalmist felt that way when he wrote Psalm 42:9“O God my rock,” I cry, “Why have you forgotten me? Why must I wander around in grief, oppressed by my enemies?” [1]
Feeling Forgotten
Mary had gone to the tomb of Jesus and was in deep despair. The Lord sent angels to her, but not only that, He appeared to her after His resurrection. John 20:14 She turned to leave and saw someone standing there. It was Jesus, but she didn’t recognize him. 15 “Dear woman, why are you crying?” Jesus asked her. “Who are you looking for?” She thought he was the gardener. “Sir,” she said, “if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him.” 16 “Mary!” Jesus said. She turned to him and cried out, “Rabboni!” (which is Hebrew for “Teacher”). 17 “Don’t cling to me,” Jesus said, “for I haven’t yet ascended to the Father. But go find my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” [2]
Perspective in Suffering
I will be the first to admit when I am looking down, I lose perspective about what God is doing in my life. Why is that? Our perspective is the way we interpret what’s happening around us and can greatly affect us. Our perspectives shape us, how we think, how we engage with people, how we action in our every day.[3]
God has large shoulders that we can pour out our emotions when we are suffering. After we have poured out our complaints to the Lord, He redirects us back to His word where truth, compassion, and understanding are found. The Lord is like a parent who says, “I understand but I want you to think about this.” As the Lord calls us to look up to Him, we begin to regain our perspective. Suffering does not mean you are forgotten.
Not Forgotten
Therefore, the Lord directs us to his word when we feel we have been forgotten. Paul tells us in that His Word transforms our mind.[4] God’s word says that when I am suffering, He has not forgotten me. When I begin to focus on God’s word, I am reassured He has not forgotten me. If you feel the Lord has forgotten you, mediate on the following verses and see what a difference it makes. The Lord may not appear to us in person like He did for Mary, but Jesus embodies His word just like He is present and speaking to you in person.
Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? [5]
Deut. 31:8 Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” [6]
Psalm 23:4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. [7]
John 14: 27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. [8]
To hear more about the encounter Mary had with the resurrected Jesus, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/encountering-jesus-with-mary
[1,2,4-8] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.
[3] https://onepassiononedevotion.wordpress.com/2016/01/18/change-your-perspective-change-your-life/