Not alone
by Greg Fowler
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ (Matthew 27:46).
Read Matthew 27:45–54
Who hasn’t felt abandoned at times? The most terrifying time of abandonment for me was when I went to hospital to have my tonsils removed when I was a child. Back then, parents were not allowed to stay with their children in the ward outside of visiting hours. When I was in my hospital gown and laughing with my mum, the operation and the environment didn’t matter. But when my mum was forced to leave me, I was distressed. I was powerless and alone, and I had no idea when it would end. Being powerless and alone is traumatic for everyone.
Jesus knows complete abandonment. On the cross, when the burden of all sin fell on him, Jesus was separated from the Father, and he had literally no-one in heaven or on Earth with him. He understands our loneliness more deeply than even we could, and he enters it willingly for us. In Jesus’ abandonment, he brought together all things that had been separated. He is the cure for loneliness.
Jesus’ cry on the cross guarantees that we don’t ever have to be separated from God. His work means that God’s presence is always available. Jesus’ cry is also an example to us in dealing with loneliness. It’s okay to cry out. It’s okay to tell those who are close to us that we feel alone. It’s okay to ask those we love for help. It’s okay to ask God directly to help. We can be confident that he will respond directly and through others.
Lord, be with us when we are lonely. Help us speak honestly with those around us when we feel we are being left out. Please send us your Spirit and be at work in our lives and relationships. Amen.
Pastor Greg lives in beautiful Redland Bay with his wife, Connie, where they enjoy the beaches, weather and outdoor lifestyle of south Brisbane. He serves as the college pastor at Faith Lutheran College, Redlands.
- Click here to read previous devotions.
- We are also posting them on LCA Facebook, making it easy for you to share them with family and friends.
- Sign up to receive Daily Devotion in your inbox every morning. If you’re already doing that, please encourage others to sign up. Click here for the link.
