What to Do When You Feel God Has Abandoned You

Grace and Peace Ekklesia

“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” – Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)

There are moments in life when silence feels heavy, prayers seem unanswered, and God feels far away. In those valleys, it’s tempting to believe He has abandoned us. Yet the truth is this: what feels like absence is often the ground where faith grows deeper. God’s silence is not His absence. His delay is not His denial. His hiddenness is not abandonment.

Imagine a child walking with their father. The father lets go of the child’s hand for a moment, not because he stopped caring, but to teach the child to walk steadily on their own. The father never leaves the child’s side—he simply allows space for growth. In the same way, God sometimes withdraws the feeling of His presence so we can learn to trust His promises, not just our emotions.

Psalm 22:1 – Even Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” He knows what it feels like to be abandoned.

Isaiah 49:15–16 – God promises, “I will not forget you. See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.”

Matthew 28:20 – Jesus assures, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

What we feel is real, but it is not always the truth. The truth is anchored in God’s Word.

1. Hold on to God’s Word, not your feelings. Emotions change, but His promises stand eternal.

2. Pray honestly. Tell God exactly how you feel—like David in the Psalms—but don’t stop there. Ask Him for renewed faith.

3. Look back at His faithfulness. Journaling past answered prayers reminds you that if He showed up before, He will show up again.

4. Stay connected with others. God often reveals His presence through the love, encouragement, and prayers of His people.

Heavenly Father, sometimes it feels like You are far away, but I thank You for the promise that You will never leave nor forsake me. Strengthen my faith when I feel abandoned. Help me to trust Your Word over my feelings. Remind me of Your presence in the stillness, in the silence, and in the storm. I surrender my doubts and fears, and I rest in Your everlasting arms. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

If you feel abandoned, know that Jesus is reaching for you even now. He died so you would never have to walk alone. Will you place your hand back in His and trust Him as your Savior, Shepherd, and Friend?

Remember: You are never abandoned. You are always engraved in His hands.

LoveUmorethanUknow

Stephan Kirby, Pastor, Ekklesia