Dealing with Human Abandonment

You thought someone was going to be part of your life forever, and then suddenly they’re just gone. They left you. They moved on. Now, you’re left wondering about others in your life and trying to figure out if they are going to abandon you too. Human abandonment is one of the most difficult things you will ever deal with (Psalm 55:12-14). Having someone purposefully leave you behind hurts and can cause you to rethink a lot of things in your life. What do you do when you’re faced with that pain? First, remember Jesus is always with you. He will never abandon you (Matthew 28:20; John 14:18). He promises to lead and guide you, to always be by your side (Psalm 139:7-10). Second, pray for the one who has left you and the issues they’re facing (Matthew 5:44; 1 Timothy 2:1). Ask God to make a way to restore the relationship if that is what He wants. Third, cling to those you love and trust. Don’t push away people who’ve always been there for you just because you’ve been hurt (Galatians 6:2; Colossians 3:13; Hebrews 10:24-25). There are times when someone in your life makes you question everything. When you have been abandoned, turn to God and know that He is still with you and in control. The truth is, God never wants to be separated from us. That’s why He sent His Son, Jesus, to live with us as a human. And at just the right time, Jesus died for us (Romans 5:6-8) and then He came back to life and returned to His followers! All to make a way for us to have a personal relationship with God, to no longer be His enemies but His friends. And after Jesus returned to heaven, He sent His Spirit to be with us. So now, all of us who have put our trust in Jesus can know Him personally, even as we look forward to being fully reunited with God when Jesus returns. As members of His family, the church, we wait together for His return, looking forward to the day when we will get to live forever in perfect relationship with Jesus and each other. • Emily Acker • Have you felt abandoned by someone in your life? Maybe a friend, parent, significant other, pastor, family member, mentor These rejections hurt. It’s ok to feel sad and angry. Bring this to God. The pain you’re facing hurts His heart too. He wants to comfort you, but He will never rush you or force you to come to Him.But He is always ready, waiting with open arms.(Read more on our “Know Jesus” page.) The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness ” Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV)