Forsaken by Man, Embraced by God

"Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me." – Psalm 27:10 (NIV)

David, the shepherd boy who became king, knew what it meant to feel like an outsider in his own family. In Psalm 27:10, he speaks of being forsaken by his parents, a sentiment echoed in Psalm 69:8: "I am a foreigner to my own family, a stranger to my own mother’s children." These words reveal a deep sense of rejection and isolation.

David’s Relationship with Jesse does not appear to be good. Jesse, David’s father, seemed to overlook his youngest son. When the prophet Samuel arrived to anoint the next king of Israel, Jesse presented all his sons except David (1 Samuel 16:10-11). It was only when Samuel inquired if there was another son that Jesse reluctantly mentioned David, who was tending sheep. This neglect suggests that David may not have been highly regarded within his family or even thought of as an outcaste. 

The Bible does not explicitly name David’s mother, but Jewish tradition identifies her as Nitzevet. This lady, according to tradition, does not seen to have a good reputation.  David’s writings indicate that he felt like an outcast even among his kin. Some speculate that his family may have questioned his legitimacy or seen him as insignificant. Psalms 51:5 - Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. This verse seems to indicate that something was amiss in David’s birth. 

Despite this rejection, David found his identity and worth in God. Instead of allowing bitterness to take root, he turned to the Lord as his refuge and strength. He recognized that while human relationships may fail, God’s love never wavers.

Psalm 23 illustrates this trust beautifully: "The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing." David understood that God was his true provider, protector, and guide. This unwavering faith sustained him through years of hardship, from being hunted by Saul to facing betrayal and personal failure.

Many of us may have experienced rejection—whether from family, friends, or society. Like David, we may feel like outsiders, unseen and undervalued. Yet, the same God who lifted David from the sheepfold to the throne is with us today.

Jesus Himself experienced rejection: "He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him" (John 1:11). Yet, through Him, we have been adopted into God’s family. "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" (1 John 3:1).

David’s story reminds us that human rejection does not define us—God’s acceptance does. When we feel forsaken, we can cling to the promise of His unwavering love. Like David, we can declare: "The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?" (Psalm 27:1).

No matter who abandons us, God remains faithful. Trust in Him, and He will never let you go.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unfailing love. When I feel rejected, remind me that I am never alone. Help me to find my identity in You and trust in Your perfect plan. Just as You lifted David, strengthen me to walk in confidence, knowing that I am accepted in Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.