Longing to BelongSample

Repeatedly responsible for robbing us of joy, abandonment is one of the biggest bandits of acceptance. It runs off with our need to belong and ransacks our sense of dignity. Emotions rubbed raw from a painful past make us vulnerable to believing lies about our current circumstances—lies that persist and persuade. We must believe and speak truth to cancel the negative effects of abandonment and rejection. 

God’s omnipresent nature permeates the universe. You may not be aware of his nearness, but God is closer than your heartbeat—even as he sits enthroned on high. God’s supernatural ability to be in all places at all times means you couldn’t get away from him even if you tried. How does the thought of being hemmed in on all sides by the God of all creation make you feel? It depends on your perception of him, doesn’t it? For David, who authored Psalm 139, knowledge of God’s nearness was “too wonderful.” David gratefully acknowledged the constant presence of the one he couldn’t see. He understood that God’s hand of blessing was upon him.

God’s loving hand eases the pressure to perform and secures an unconditional place of belonging. Will you allow him to touch your heart and heal your mind from the sting of abandonment? No matter how isolated you feel, you are never alone. No matter your past rejections, God will never leave you. If your past is scarred by abandonment, cling to your loving, ever-present Father God, who promised to never leave you or forsake you. Believe and speak with assurance that you are never alone. Your tongue has power. Use it for good.

Declare this truth: 

He is always with me.

Pray this aloud:

Dear God, still me with the knowledge that your hand of blessing is on my head. Your hand is not heavy with expectations. Your hand extends patience and grace—far more than I have for myself. I want to live in the freedom of knowing I delight you. I want to be free of being hard on myself. Help me be kind to myself, especially when others are not. Help me sense your hand of blessing upon me as I come under your mighty, secure, and loving hand today. Amen.