Painful events like betrayal, divorce, illness, or loss often trigger feelings that God has abandoned  us. In such situations, we ask ourselves the question, “God, where are you?” We’re not alone in  this. Even Jesus—God in the flesh—asked that very question on the cross. When we don’t  understand what God is doing and doubt His goodness, we must still trust who He is.  

Put It into Practice: Write your version of Habakkuk’s “even though… yet I will rejoice” statement. Examples: “Even though the diagnosis is scary, yet I will trust You.” “Even though I feel unseen, yet I  will worship.” Read it aloud each morning this week as an act of faith.  

Day 1 Matthew 27:45-46 

Reflect: Why do you think Jesus, knowing God’s plan, still cried out in anguish on the cross? How  can His experience on the cross change the way we think about our seasons of silence or suffering?  Apply: Have you ever felt like God has abandoned you? What did that season look like to you? How  can Jesus’ example of relying on Scripture during His darkest hour be applied to your life?  Pray: Heavenly Father, I offer up my praise and thankfulness for Your Son’s sacrifice on the cross  that brought my reconciliation with You. May I honor You by living my life with a profound love for  You and others. 

Day 2 Lamentations 3:22-25  

Reflect: What do these verses tell us about God’s character in times of suffering? How does verse  23 speak to the experience of persistent pain or a sense of hopelessness? 

Apply: How can you hold on to hope when it seems like your circumstances aren’t changing? How  can expressing your pain and lamenting to God be an act of faith rather than a sign of weakness?  Pray: Gracious God, I come before You today with a heart full of gratitude for Your steadfast love,  

which never ceases. I thank You that Your tender mercies are renewed every single morning, a  constant reminder of Your faithfulness amidst the sorrows of this world. 

Day 3 Hebrews 4:14-16 

Reflect: Why is it important to bring our doubts, pain, and questions directly to God? How might  Jesus’ experience with temptation, suffering, and betrayal help us in those same situations? Apply: When have you brought something painful to God and experienced His grace? What kinds  of steps can you take to strengthen your faith and trust in God when feelings of abandonment arise?  Pray: Thank You, Father, for the grace and mercy that streams from Your throne of grace to me  through Jesus Christ, my great High Priest and heavenly Savior. I praise and thank You for the  goodness and grace You have extended to me. 

Day 4 Habakkuk 3:17-19 

Reflect: How does Habakkuk’s declaration challenge the way we respond when God seems silent  or inactive? Why do you think he chose to rejoice even though nothing around him had changed? Apply: What does Habakkuk’s list of losses represent in today’s context? What’s the difference  between rejoicing in what God does versus rejoicing in who God is? When have you done each? Pray: Lord Jesus, please make my feet like the feet of a deer, giving me surefootedness and agility  to tread on the high places of my challenges. Help me to walk and make spiritual progress even in  the midst of trouble and suffering. 

Day 5 Romans 8:38-39 

Reflect: Consider the questions Paul asks. Why did he ask them? How can we acknowledge and  process the situations listed in verse 38 honestly while still holding onto the truths presented here? Apply: What are some lies you tend to believe in hard times that contradict this truth about God’s  love? When has this passage been a source of strength when you felt overwhelmed or alone? 

Pray: Thank You, Father, that nothing at all can ever separate me from You! Sometimes, I imagine  things that will separate me from You, and yet Your Word clearly tells me that there is nothing at all  that can remove me from my position in Christ Jesus. Help me to accept this truth in my heart today  and never doubt Your love for me.