Overcoming LonelinessSample

Longing, Loneliness, and Radical Love

We have identified seven longings that God put deep in the heart of every human being. They include a longing for acceptance, safety, to be understood, and more.

The longing to be accepted probably carries the most weight. All seven longings are important, but this one is unique. If this longing is unmet because it is so foundational, it can profoundly and negatively affect someone’s life.

I know how powerful this longing is in my own life. I have experienced a lot of hurt and pain. I know the feelings of loneliness, not belonging, and believing I could not measure up to others’ expectations. I experienced that for many years. Yet when I went away to college, I experienced love, acceptance, and inclusion from others. I had seldom experienced this in life, and it changed me. It had a radical, incredible impact on me.

In college, I found a group of people who loved and accepted me. These people were serious about Jesus, and they cared for me. They wanted to hang out with me. They asked me questions about my life. They came over, we talked, and we did things together. We went out and got food together. They wanted to be around me.

God eventually used their acceptance and friendship to draw me back to Himself. I started taking my faith seriously, running after God, and growing in my relationship with Him. Such acceptance helps us experience the value that God has given us. On our good days, on our bad days, we are valued, we are loved, and we are of infinite worth.

God, please help me to find faithful friends. Thank you for the way You value me. Help me to know Your love more deeply and to share it with others.