“My father, my father, why have you forsaken me?”
Although the Bible tells us that we will face trials and tribulations, it did not show us the blueprint. We definitely did not think it would be the pandemic in 2020 nor did we foresee how it would affect jobs, lives and our mental health. Some of us are currently navigating through failed relationships, rejection, debts, and poor health. Worse still, several people are currently grieving the death of a loved one – despite all the prayers made for their healing.
All we want to ask is “Lord, are You still here?”
Some of us have stopped going to Church or reading our Bibles. Doubt about if GOD really exists and why HE has forsaken us has taken over. The truth is GOD can never forsake us, and neither can HE leave us. Moreover, Jesus never promised us an easy life, nor a pain-free life but He assured us that He will never leave us or forsake us.
Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
He will be with us when doubts flood our hearts and we begin to question if GOD exists. GOD loves us, He really does.
John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Is your trust in GOD’S power waning? Are you feeling that GOD has abandoned you? Then continue reading to learn more on how you can heal and place your trust in GOD again.
How to trust GOD
1. Counseling
You can do this exercise with someone, preferably a Christian counselor or someone who you believe is mentally and spiritually mature. A lot of negative emotions grow because of secrecy. We are often caught in the trap of thinking that no one knows what we are going through or that we are alone in our pain. That is not true. You are not alone. You are not strange for grieving that loved one. Talking to someone gives us the opportunity to release our emotions and question how we feel.
Here are questions you can ask yourself.
•Am I angry at GOD?
As difficult as it might seem to admit, it is possible to be angry at GOD. A lot of us are angry and hurt by unanswered prayers. It could be that job opportunity or hope for that loved one to receive their healing. Let us be comforted that GOD knows how we feel. In our anger, we need to learn to turn to GOD for answers and comfort. It is easy to think GOD does not exist but He does. His ways and His thoughts are above ours. Asking ourselves if we are angry at GOD is a step towards healing.
•Do I doubt GOD’S power?
How did you feel when you did not get that job or that loved one died after months of prayer and believing God for a miracle? Have you been asking yourself if GOD can really do everything? Perhaps you are already doubting the existence of GOD. These doubts can subtly take roots in our hearts and choke our faith.
Jeremiah 32:27 Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?
•Is GOD punishing me for all my sins?
When the son of the widow of Zarephath died, the woman went to Elijah and asked if he had come to remind her of her sins. Read the story in 1 Kings 17 here. Oftentimes, these trials and tribulations can influence us into thinking that we are being punished by GOD for the same sins we have confessed and received mercy for. The Bible shows us that GOD has removed our sins from us as far as the East from the West.
Psalms 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
When those voices of accusation rise up for the sins we know we have received mercy and forgiveness for, it’s important to rise up and declare our deliverance.
2. Pray
Prayer is communication—an outpouring of our soul to GOD and a release of our burdens. It is easy to stop praying and turn to other activities. It is important to pray in our pain. It might be difficult but try to pray. You can start by admitting everything you feel to GOD: the pain, the anger, questions and emotions. Begin from your weakness to draw strength from GOD. The Bible reminds us of how JESUS was burdened by the thoughts of going to the cross. He prayed out his weakness.
Hebrews 5:7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;
Don’t be ashamed or afraid of your tears. Let GOD see you completely as you are. Moreover, we find strength, direction, healing and trust in the place of prayer.
3. Remind yourself of testimonies
Sometimes we need to remind ourselves of the faithfulness of GOD. This will help us build our faith and trust in HIM again. When we let the Holy Spirit help us, we can call to remembrance the acts of GOD in our lives. Was there ever a time GOD answered your prayer? Has HE showed up and moved mountains for you? Remind yourself daily, particularly when the doubts come. A good example is King David in the Bible. He was constantly facing tribulations in his lifetime. On one occasion, he and his men went out and returned to meet their town empty. Their wives, children, and properties were taken by invaders. The men cried until they had no more power to weep but David encouraged himself in the Lord. You can read the story in 1 Samuel 30 here. The word ‘encouraged’ is a Hebrew word for chazaq which means ‘to strengthen or grow firm‘. Here are some ways you can do that.
- Remind yourself of the testimonies. The times’ GOD has saved or helped you.
- Listen or read encouraging and uplifting sermons and books.
- Read the Bible.
4. Spend time with your Christian community
GOD wants to speak to us even in our pain. Even when HE is working in ways that we don’t understand, He is still a good GOD. Spending time in fellowship with other Christians can help rebuild our trust in GOD.
Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Remember that God loves you, and HE wants to help you through your pain. Allow Him to help you heal and trust Him again.
Ruth Ginder has been a counselor for more than ten years. She lives with her family and two dogs in Alabama.
