The Presence That Was Forsaken

Monday, March 30

Mark 15:34-36 (NLT)

“Then at three o’clock Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” Some of the bystanders misunderstood and thought he was calling for the prophet Elijah. One of them ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, holding it up to him on a reed stick so he could drink. “Wait!” he said. “Let’s see whether Elijah comes to take him down!”

Devotion

On the cross, Jesus cried out these distressing words—the opening line of Psalm 22. In that moment, the sinless Son of God took upon Himself every sin we would ever commit. The Father and the Holy Spirit had to depart because they cannot dwell with sin. The physical suffering was unbearable, but the spiritual separation from the Father’s presence was the deepest agony of all. 

Pastor Jentezen Franklin reminds us that Jesus willingly endured the Father's abandonment so that we would never have to be separated from God again. 

Even when we feel abandoned or distant from God, we are never truly forsaken. We may be hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; struck down, but not destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). That is God’s promise to us. 

Because Jesus took our separation, we can hold on to the promise that God will never leave us. His presence remains available to every heart that seeks Him. 

Today, never take the Presence of the Lord for granted. It is not just a feeling—it is life itself. Keep speaking God’s Word. Keep hosting the Holy Spirit. Stay hungry for His presence above everything else, because in His presence there is healing, power, and fullness of joy.

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, 

I thank You that Your presence has been made available to me through the blood of Christ. I am forever grateful. I invite You, Holy Spirit, and welcome You into every area of my life and every moment of my day. I need You and thank You for abiding in me. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

Because Jesus experienced separation on the cross so you would never be separated from God, make it a daily priority to intentionally abide in His presence rather than waiting to “feel” it. When you sense distance, respond not with doubt, but with pursuit—through prayer, worship, and God’s Word—trusting His promise that He will never leave you.

Resources
  • Download this week’s wallpaper—a simple yet powerful reminder to carry the presence of God with you wherever you go. Wallpaper.