Day 22: Psalm 22:1
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
There are many reasons we feel distant from God: neglecting time with God, neglecting fellowship and worship, neglecting Scripture, sin habits to which we return, loss of focus… all reasons based on our behavior and decisions. Jesus willingly went to the cross and hanging there, he quoted this psalm. As he took on our sin, he was forsaken by the Father. Jesus experienced the curse of Genesis 3 (Day 1) for us. The Son was forsaken by God so we would be accepted.
Faithful people of the Old Testament looked forward to a messiah who would close the gap between man and God. Jesus is the messiah. At his birth, angels burst into praise; on the cross, he was separated from God and abandoned by friends. All so that we could be with God. Christmas is a celebration of the promised Savior; the love Jesus has for us to leave heaven and come to earth.
How are you showing love for God? If you’re feeling distant today, take inventory. Are you living in a manner worthy of the Lord? Are you resting, trusting, even throwing yourself onto the gospel knowing Jesus endured the cross to bring you to God?