We belong
06 APRIL 2020
‘God gives the lonely a home.’
Psalm 68:6
Whatever season of life we’re in, we can all experience loneliness. It can hit us when we leave home, move to a new area, or face rejection. It can make us feel like we don’t belong. But in God’s kingdom we always have a place where we belong. And however many times we face rejection, we’re accepted by God. The Message paraphrase of 1 Peter 2 says: ‘You are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you – from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted’ (vv.9-10). We’re His children and He loves us. The Bible says: ‘The Father has loved us so much that we are called children of God. And we really are his children’ (1 John 3:1 NCV). Whenever we’re feeling rejected by others, we need to remember that our identity is found in Him. Throughout the Bible, God reminds people that He’s with them. He told Joshua: ‘Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forget you’ (Joshua 1:5 NCV). And Jesus told the disciples: ‘I will not leave you all alone like orphans; I will come back to you’ (John 14:18 NCV). He promises to be with us too. He will never leave us. Even when we’re walking through dark valleys, He’s walking right beside us (take a look at Psalm 23:4). Even when everyone else leaves us, He’s still there. Even when we feel lonely, we’re never actually alone. We belong to God, and we belong in His kingdom. What Now? Do you know someone who’s struggling with loneliness? Give them a call this week and spend some time chatting and praying with them.