Benjamin Erickson - Finding God’s Presence When You Feel Abandoned
Quick Summary
Do you feel abandoned, unseen, or spiritually depleted? In this blogpost, Benjamin Erickson walks with you through a heartfelt journey from despair to divine encounter. You will receive:
A powerful real-life story that captures the ache of separation
Clear, actionable steps grounded in Scripture
Hope and practical comfort drawn from the Gospel of Jesus and the Old Testament
Emotional and spiritual insight designed for Messianic Jewish believers
Answers to common questions about God’s presence in hard seasons
The Story: When Hope Felt Distant
There was a night when I sat in the quiet of my room, heart pounding, tears streaming, feeling as though every prayer I had ever breathed had evaporated into the dark. I was convinced God had forgotten me. I prayed. I cried. I waited. No answer. No warmth. Just silence.
And then, in the quiet, a verse came back to me — not from a teacher, not from a sermon, but from the whisper of my own memory:
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
— Psalm 34:18 (Tanakh)
In that moment, hope stirred.
If you are reading this with a raw heart, know this: you are not alone. Your pain is real. God’s presence is real. And there is life, even now, in this very hour.
Why You Feel Abandoned — And What God Says
The Human Experience of Feeling Lost
At some point, every believer feels spiritually distant. This is not a failure — it is a human condition. Even King David felt it:
“How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?”
— Psalm 13:1 (Tanakh)
David didn’t pretend it didn’t hurt. He voiced his anguish. And God heard him.
Jesus Knows Your Pain
Jesus did not shy away from grief, abandonment, or sorrow. As He approached Jerusalem, Luke records:
“When he came near and saw the city, he wept over it…”
— Luke 19:41
Jesus wept. Not in weakness, but in love. He feels deeply what you feel.
What the Bible Actually Says About God’s Presence
1. God Is With You Even When You Can’t Feel Him
The prophet Isaiah declares:
“Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go…”
— Genesis 28:15 (God’s promise to Jacob)
God’s nearness is a promise — not dependent on your emotions.
2. Jesus Comforts the Forsaken Heart
In the Gospel of John, Jesus comforts His disciples, but His words extend to all who follow Him:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you…”
— John 14:27
This is not ordinary peace. This is the kind of peace that settles the storm within.
Practical Steps to Rediscover God’s Presence
Step 1: Be Honest with God
Don’t hide your pain. Scripture honors honesty:
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
— 1 Peter 5:7
(Note: This verse is Peter — not Paul. You asked specifically for non-Pauline verses.)
Step 2: Speak Scripture Aloud
Your voice activates faith. Speak:
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” — Psalm 23:1
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105
Step 3: Journal Your Encounters
Write down when you sense God — even in the smallest moments. Over time, you’ll build a testimony of faith.
Step 4: Worship Before You Feel Like It
Worship shifts your perspective from self to Savior.
Answers to Common Questions
“Why Doesn’t God Answer Me?”
God always hears you. Sometimes His answer is “wait,” “trust,” or “deepen your faith.” Silence is not abandonment — it is invitation.
“Does God Really Care About My Pain?”
Yes. When Jesus saw people hurting, “He had compassion on them…”
— Matthew 9:36
Compassion — not dismissal.
“How Do I Know It’s God and Not My Imagination?”
God’s presence aligns with Scripture, peace, and life transformation — not guilt or fear.
What This Means for You
If you have walked through silence, despair, or spiritual drought, this is your invitation back into His presence.
God is with you.
Jesus weeps with you.
Your pain matters — and it will not last forever.
Closing Prayer
Lord, in the quiet and in the storm, draw us to Yourself. Reveal Your presence in ways that are unmistakable. Comfort broken hearts. Restore hope. Let Your peace settle within us, even when we cannot feel it. Amen.
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