Why, Lord?.....
One thing that I think about the most during this Holy week are the words of Jesus on the Cross.
About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”)-Matthew 27:46
Those words used to confuse me greatly. I mean, this was Jesus. Why was HE asking God this question? Jesus is perfect. This question seems to show doubt. I don't get it.
Oh, but now I think I understand.
I think I finally get it.
Jesus was able to say those words because the crushing acts of our sins were bearing down on Him. Our sins were covering His aching tortured body. Piercing every organ. Every vessel. Every nerve ending.
Sin separates us from God.
But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. Isaiah 59:2
When we doubt His Love, His Mercy, His Grace.....
His Plan....
We can become separated.
Oh, God is never far from us though..
We can never escape God.
However, our sins can separate us from His Voice.
Sin is like putting cottonballs into my ears and expecting to hear.
I won't be able to hear a thing until I take them out.
So, when Jesus said those words....they were not really His Words...they were our words...our sins.
Recently, I found myself in a place. Saying similar words to God.
Why, God. Why? Do you not love me?
Frustrated, tired, and sick to death of praying the same prayer...
I heard my doubt clear as a ringing bell.
It's not necessarily sinful to have doubts at times.
We will have questions for God. Sometimes a lot.
But, it can separate us from God when it replaces our faith.
When we choose to live in the doubt, it becomes unbelief.
Unbelief will take my eyes off of Him and put them on my circumstances.
Unbelief will tune out the Voice of God because we will only hear the voice of our own doubts and the enemy whispering lies.
When I find myself doubting, I have to immediately stop what I am doing and go straight to my Bible. I have to remind myself that He Is Good. He Is Faithful. He will never forsake me.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6
I have to remember that God has my best interest at heart...and the best interest of those around me.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
I have to ask God to give me spiritual eyes to see things from His perspective.
Jesus replied, "You don't understand now what I am doing, but someday you will." John 13:7
Or, at least to give me unwavering peace if He chooses not to answer.
He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17
He will always bring the peace. He may not always bring the answer at the desired moment I ask, but peace He will bring.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
Friend, whatever doubts you are having...
You are not alone.
Jesus Himself, hanging on the cross, felt our doubts. Our fears. Our constant wavering.
Look to the Cross to steady your vision. Do not turn from the Cross until you feel His peace wash over you. Like a cool autumn wind, He will assure you of His ways. They are better. They are higher.
"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.." Isaiah 55:9
Instead of looking for an answer...
We discover that He IS the Answer.
eyes on the Cross,
jill
About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”)-Matthew 27:46
Those words used to confuse me greatly. I mean, this was Jesus. Why was HE asking God this question? Jesus is perfect. This question seems to show doubt. I don't get it.
Oh, but now I think I understand.
I think I finally get it.
Jesus was able to say those words because the crushing acts of our sins were bearing down on Him. Our sins were covering His aching tortured body. Piercing every organ. Every vessel. Every nerve ending.
Sin separates us from God.
But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. Isaiah 59:2
When we doubt His Love, His Mercy, His Grace.....
His Plan....
We can become separated.
Oh, God is never far from us though..
7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
Psalm 139:7-10
We can never escape God.
However, our sins can separate us from His Voice.
Sin is like putting cottonballs into my ears and expecting to hear.
I won't be able to hear a thing until I take them out.
So, when Jesus said those words....they were not really His Words...they were our words...our sins.
Recently, I found myself in a place. Saying similar words to God.
Why, God. Why? Do you not love me?
Frustrated, tired, and sick to death of praying the same prayer...
I heard my doubt clear as a ringing bell.
It's not necessarily sinful to have doubts at times.
We will have questions for God. Sometimes a lot.
But, it can separate us from God when it replaces our faith.
When we choose to live in the doubt, it becomes unbelief.
Unbelief will take my eyes off of Him and put them on my circumstances.
Unbelief will tune out the Voice of God because we will only hear the voice of our own doubts and the enemy whispering lies.
When I find myself doubting, I have to immediately stop what I am doing and go straight to my Bible. I have to remind myself that He Is Good. He Is Faithful. He will never forsake me.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6
I have to remember that God has my best interest at heart...and the best interest of those around me.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
I have to ask God to give me spiritual eyes to see things from His perspective.
Jesus replied, "You don't understand now what I am doing, but someday you will." John 13:7
Or, at least to give me unwavering peace if He chooses not to answer.
He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17
He will always bring the peace. He may not always bring the answer at the desired moment I ask, but peace He will bring.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
Friend, whatever doubts you are having...
You are not alone.
Jesus Himself, hanging on the cross, felt our doubts. Our fears. Our constant wavering.
Look to the Cross to steady your vision. Do not turn from the Cross until you feel His peace wash over you. Like a cool autumn wind, He will assure you of His ways. They are better. They are higher.
"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.." Isaiah 55:9
Instead of looking for an answer...
We discover that He IS the Answer.
eyes on the Cross,
jill
