“God makes a home for the lonely.” (Psalm 68:6, NASB)
“God sets the lonely in families, he leads forth the prisoners with singing.” (Psalm 68:6, NIV)
Lonely. One can feel lonely in the middle of a crowd. It can be at a party. At church. At the mall. At home.
Lonely often speaks to you….
- “You are not enough.”
- “Why can’t you fit in.”
- “No one ever likes you.”
- “What is wrong with you.”
The voice of loneliness can almost sound like truth. Almost. But if you listen closely, you will hear truth. You hear the voice of the One, Who created you for connection, reminding you that you are His friend.
Loneliness is about connection. Connecting in a way which is deeper, soul bared to soul. Vulnerability. Transparency. Exposed.
The world would have us convinced that it is having social media accounts with a long list of friends and likes.
Loneliness dissipates for us at those times when we have stayed connected to Him while permitting Him to nurture our relationships. It is then we find the most meaningful of friendships, the ones that last a lifetime.
As we allow the Lord to set us where we belong, the result will be gladness.
Yes, let them rejoice with gladness.
Sing to God, sing praises to His name;
Lift up a song for Him who rides through the deserts,
Whose name is the Lord, and exult before Him.”
(Psalm 68:3, NASB)
We find where we belong
as we make our hearts, His home.
Reflection:
Are you asking, “Where do I belong?” “Who are the people which make my community?”
How is God reaching out to you, wanting to set you where you belong?
Image by Filip Loczek from Pixabay
I don't think I've ever felt like I belonged until I understood who I was to Him and how He saw me. Then, regardless of where I volunteered, where I work(ed), or what group of people I sat among, the one I reported to was God - and He gave me the day's marching orders - and somehow - that is when I felt belonging in any crowd. Who are the people which make my community? The people God puts in my path - whether intentionally scheduled or happenstance. For a few years, God reached out to me in prayer, and I did a hotdog & prayer ministry at the edge of our church property for people who didn't go to our church. When our church moved buildings, God gave me the opportunity to teach 7th and 8th graders for Literature and Writing. I might be quaking in my shoes doing all these things - but when God puts me somewhere, there is belonging. Thanks for these prompts, Joanne - just what I needed!
ReplyDeleteLovely post.
ReplyDelete