think we have been completely abandoned by him. it is in those times that god is closer than we can possibly imagine. the truth is every person i know who really believes and trust in the lord has in one way or another overcome the kind of situation you have mentioned. that’s why they believe and trust: because they have been in those places where faith was shattered and trust was gone but god brought them through it. and how do you do it? you do it by continuing to talk to him, continuing to trust in him, even when you don’t seem to know how. is it easy? no. 