Day 33- My God, Why?

It's interesting to me that when Jesus is most alone, in his greatest agony, he quotes scripture.  "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me" are the words of Psalm 22:1.  Jesus remembers this Psalm and identifies with it while dying on the cross for us.  This is one reason it is good to memorize portions of scripture, or at least be familiar with important sections.  We can turn to them in our time of need.

Jesus feels forsaken because he has taken the world's sin upon himself.  He feels totally alone.  He is totally alone.  "Why?" he asks.  "Where are you Father?" he was likely thinking.  There have certainly been times when I've asked the "Why?" question.  There have certainly been times I've wondered, "Where are you, God?" I find some comfort in that even Jesus asked "Why?" while dying on the cross for us.  I guess it's OK for me to ask "Why?" as well.

The good news is that because Christ died on the cross and rose from the tomb, we don't ever have to feel alone again.  We certainly will face times of loneliness.  We are made for relationships.  When something happens that takes those relationships away, we feel it deeply within.  But God does not leave us.  In our Baptism and in our daily walk of faith, God is there.  Jesus willingly became forsaken from the Father, so we do not have to be.  If you're feeling lonely today, take a moment to turn to God in prayer.  Pray that He will fill you with His presence.  Pray that God will bring the right people into your life, to befriend you and relieve that loneliness.  As the old hymn proclaims, "What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear.  What a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer"  He is there to listen and be a friend like no other.