felt forsaken

How honest are we allowed to be with God? Do we need to hide how we truly feel and pray neat, tidy prayers, or can we pour it all out when we feel like God is letting us down?

If we’re not allowed to be raw and honest in prayer, then King David is in big trouble! He cried out in anguish, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” In fact, even Jesus felt free enough to quote those same agonising words from the cross.

David uses his prayer to freely pour out his pain to God. He describes being in anguish, suffering scorn and hatred, being surrounded by danger and being utterly helpless to save himself. He pleads with God to stop being silent and to rush to his aid!

But David doesn’t stop there. After telling God all about his circumstances, David takes time to remember and celebrate all the things he knows to be true about God. “You are enthroned as the Holy One.” “You are my strength.” “You are worthy of the praises of all people.”

It’s ok be open, raw and honest with God when, like David, it comes from a heart of humility and trust in God’s goodness— even when we can’t see it.

In the end, we will all say with David, “God has done it!”