Daily devotion – forsaken no more!
And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
Mark 15:34
The expository dictionary of New Testament words—Vine’s—explains the meaning of “forsaken” in two Greek words:
KATALEIPO – to leave behind, to abandon.
ENKATALEIPO – to leave in straits, or helpless.
On Calvary’s Cross, Christ experienced being utterly forsaken by the Father. For three hours of darkness, Jesus bore the full weight of humanity’s sin, separated from His Father, abandoned in a way we cannot fully fathom.
But here’s the life-changing truth: Because of what Christ endured on the Cross, you and I will never be forsaken by God.
Before Christ:
Before receiving Christ, we lived in sin, oblivious to God’s love and grace. Deep within our souls, we felt the weight of being helpless without Him. We were spiritually dead, enslaved to sin, and following the devil’s influence.
“Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.”
Ephesians 2:1–3 (NLT)
After Calvary:
Because of Christ’s sacrifice, we are never alone. His work on the Cross forever ended the reality of abandonment for those who believe in Him. As children of God, we have the indwelling Holy Spirit, guiding, comforting, and strengthening us.
Even when we face valleys where it feels like we’re abandoned, God’s Word assures us this is not true. Christ experienced the full weight of being forsaken so that we never would.
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5
Today’s Encouragement:
If you’re struggling with a sense of isolation or abandonment, remember that God’s truth is greater than your feelings. The enemy may whisper lies, but God’s Word declares:
You are His.
He loves you.
He is with you always.
Christ’s cry of abandonment on the Cross secured for us the unshakable promise that we will never face separation from God. Let this truth anchor your soul today: You are forsaken no more!
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the sacrifice of Jesus on Calvary, who bore the abandonment I deserved so that I could forever be in Your presence. Help me to trust in Your promises and feel Your nearness, even in my darkest valleys. Thank You for loving me and being with me always. Amen.