30 Days With the PsalmsНамуна

Feeling forsaken by God

“How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever?” (Psalm 13:1 ESV).

We already read several beautiful songs of David that express his faith, his trust in God’s promises, and his joy in the Lord. But today we hear something utterly different. David feels forsaken and alone, he feels like God has forgotten him! That is a major problem, since he can’t live without the Lord.

You may sometimes feel alone as well. You may not experience God’s help, guidance and nearness as much as you did before. That makes you confused and hopeless. If this applies to you, read on! David does not end his psalm here.

He cries out to the Lord, and his call for help is followed by a confession: “But I have trusted in Your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation” (Psalm 13:5 ESV). These two things are incredibly important whenever we feel alone and forsaken: keeping God’s steadfast love in mind and pouring out your heart before Him.

Do you recognize David’s feelings? How do you respond?