When God Feels Far Away: A Lament from Psalm 22 | Evening Meditations

Settle in. Wherever you are right now, you can keep your eyes open. You don't need a quiet room to pray. Take one slow breath in. [MUSIC PLAYING] And let it out. [MUSIC PLAYING] Tonight's lament starts with words Jesus himself prayed on the cross. Psalm 22. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer. By night, but I find no rest. [MUSIC PLAYING] Think about that. The Son of God said those words out loud. If he said them, you're allowed to. Sometimes, God feels far, not because you did something, just far, and that's a hard, lonely place to pray from. Four steps. One, tell God how far away he feels. Use your own words. [MUSIC PLAYING] Two, tell him what you've been asking for and haven't gotten. [MUSIC PLAYING] Three, think of one time he did show up, even a small one, a door that opened, a person who came through. [MUSIC PLAYING]

Four, ask him to come close. Not a speech, just come close. [MUSIC PLAYING] Let's pray. God, it feels like you're far, and I'm saying so. I remember you've come before. Come close tonight. Amen. [MUSIC PLAYING] [MUSIC PLAYING] Rest when you can. You are not forgotten. Amen. (upbeat music) [MUSIC PLAYING]