The Lord Will Not Forget YouSpeaker: Sis. Stella Dhinakaran Gist: The Lord knows the pain and sufferings that you undergo because He suffered so much when He lived in this world. He suffered on the cross for you and me. He will not forget you. "I will say to God my Rock, 'Why have You forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?' As with a breaking of my bones, My enemies reproach me, While they say to me all day long, 'Where is your God?' Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God." (Psalm 42:9-11)
We read about the cry of the Psalmist in the above verses. Today, we wail when we are tormented by our foes. People may speak many things about you at such times. "Where is your God? You sought Him fervently. If that God is alive and if He is the true God, why did He not come to your aid? Why should you suffer like this?" They may mock at you with all these questions.
I know of a God-fearing young couple. They had a good fellowship with God in prayer. At that time, a great tragedy occurred in their family. The girl's brother who was married recently, complained of chest pain and passed away suddenly. Everyone mocked her for the mishap saying, "You prayed for everyone so fervently. Why did such a tragedy befall you?" She cried out to the Lord, "O my God! Why did You forget me? I came seeking You. I prayed for many in Your precious name. Why did this happen to me."
We hear of such happenings everyday. Many people write to me regarding their painful experiences. All of them face similar problems in their everyday lives. I pray for them with tears. This is the nature of human life. You too might have come through this narrow path of sufferings and pain.
Look at the life of Samson. He was a man chosen by God and filled with His great might. But he chose the path of evil and did things that were displeasing in the sight of the Lord. Finally, the Lord forsook Him. What does he say at that time, "Oh Lord God! Remember me, I pray. Strengthen me, I pray, just this once, Oh God" (Judges 16:28). He pleads to the Lord. Did the Lord forsake him at that point? No, He was mindful of him even at that time. Even though he perished, God granted Him the strength he prayed for.
The Prophet Jeremiah says, "Why do You forget us forever, and forsake us for so long a time?" (Lamentations 5:20)
My dear friend, Christian life is not a bed of roses always. But it is not full of thorns either. Jesus Himself underwent the same experience in His life. He wailed for you and me on the cross, "My God, My God why have forsaken me? Why have You forgotten Me? I am unable to seek Your face. I and My Father are one. But today I am oppressed on the cross" (Matthew 27:46; Psalm 22:1; John 10:30). So saying, He cried out to the Father, "My God, My God why have You forsaken Me?"
Today, can you say, "My Father and I are one." If you can, then that is true Christian life. Why did Jesus, being the Son of the Most High, go through that painful path? It is for you and me. When we suffer and lament saying, "Lord, have you forgotten me? I do not have anyone to help." The Lord remembers His painful struggles. That was why He passed through those sufferings, leaving us an example that we should follow His footsteps and endure (1 Peter 2:21).
He knows your pain and suffering that you undergo because he too underwent the same experience when He lived in this world. He suffered on the cross for you and me. He will be with you and deliver you from your sufferings and He will not forget you.
Prayer:
Loving Heavenly Father,
When I cross painful experiences, I know that You are by my side. You carry me in Your loving arms during my trials and tribulations. You have never forgotten me. You have carved me in the palm of Your hands and You watch over me every moment of my life. Help me to come out victorious by Your presence in my life. In Jesus' mighty name, I pray.
Amen. |