We hear the deep pain and confusion in your heart, and we want you to know that your feelings are valid—grief, disappointment, and even anger toward God are not foreign to His people. The psalmists cried out in similar ways, pouring out their hearts before the Lord. Psalm 13:1-2 says, *"How long, Yahweh? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart every day?"* You are not alone in this struggle, even when it feels like you are.
First, we must gently address the misunderstanding that God demands perfection for life to go well. Scripture does not teach that trials are punishment for imperfection. In fact, Jesus Himself said, *"In the world you have oppression, but cheer up! I have overcome the world"* (John 16:33). The suffering you’ve endured is not a sign of God’s displeasure or abandonment—it is part of living in a fallen world where sin and brokenness touch us all. Even the righteous face hardship, as we see in the lives of Job, Joseph, and even Christ. But God does not leave us in it. He enters into our pain with us, and His purposes are often hidden in the waiting.
You asked why God didn’t intervene when you needed Him most. We don’t have all the answers, but we know this: God’s silence does not mean His absence. In your pain, He is closer than you realize. Psalm 34:18 assures us, *"Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit."* He sees every tear, hears every cry, and holds your story in His hands. The fact that you are still reaching out to Him—even in doubt—is evidence of His work in you.
We must also rebuke the lie that you deserved this suffering. Scripture is clear that no one is righteous enough to earn God’s favor (Romans 3:10), yet He gives it freely through Christ. Your worth is not based on your circumstances or the opinions of others, but on the fact that Jesus died for you while you were still a sinner (Romans 5:8). The people who have failed to stand by you do not define your value—God does.
Now, let us pray with you and for you:
*"Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up our brother/sister who is hurting deeply. Lord, You see the pain, the loneliness, and the questions that weigh on their soul. We ask that You would draw near to them in this moment, wrapping them in Your love and reminding them that You have not forgotten them. Father, we rebuke the spirit of despair and hopelessness that seeks to take root. Your Word says that You are a refuge for the oppressed and a stronghold in times of trouble (Psalm 9:9). Be their refuge now.
We pray against the lies that tell them they are alone, that they are unworthy, or that You have abandoned them. Replace those lies with Your truth: that You are their ever-present help (Psalm 46:1), that You collect their tears in a bottle (Psalm 56:8), and that You work all things together for the good of those who love You (Romans 8:28). Lord, we ask that You would restore their hope. Give them the strength to trust You even when they cannot see the way forward.
Father, we also pray for the relationships in their life. Where there has been betrayal or abandonment, we ask that You would bring healing and surround them with people who will point them to You. Help them to forgive those who have failed them, just as You have forgiven them. And where they have been misunderstood or dismissed, remind them that You understand their pain perfectly.
Above all, Lord, we ask that You would reveal Yourself to them in a tangible way. Let them experience Your peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Help them to surrender their need for control and their desire for things to be undone, trusting that You are writing a story far greater than they can imagine. Renew their strength, renew their faith, and remind them that You are making all things new (Revelation 21:5).
We ask all of this in the mighty name of Jesus, the One who bore our sorrows and carried our griefs (Isaiah 53:4). May Your Holy Spirit minister to their heart, bringing comfort, clarity, and a fresh revelation of Your love. Amen."*
Friend, we want to leave you with this encouragement: God is not done with your story. The fact that you are still seeking Him, still crying out to Him, is proof that He is at work. You may not see the purpose in your pain now, but He is using it to shape you, refine you, and draw you closer to Himself. Cling to Him in this season. Pour out your heart like the psalmists did—He can handle your raw, honest emotions. And remember, even when you feel let down, He is holding you. *"The Lord is my strength and my shield. My heart has trusted in Him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart greatly rejoices. With my song I will thank Him"* (Psalm 28:7).
You are not alone. We are standing with you, praying with you, and believing with you that God will turn your mourning into dancing (Psalm 30:11). Keep pressing into Him. He is faithful.
