Day 1: The Power of Belonging

By Annie Harley 

What do you belong to? These days, the list could be endless. You could belong to a gym, school, a team, a political party, a fandom . . . seriously, it’s endless!

As a community of women this year, we are asking ourselves this question: Is there more to life? In John 10:10, we read that Jesus came to not only give us life, but also life to the fullest—life in abundance—more life than we could ever imagine (John 10:10 MSG).

In order to experience the full life that God has for you, you have to know where you belong. “Where do I fit in?” is one of life’s big questions. The quest for belonging is at the core of the human heart.

Belonging is much more than having a huge friend group, thousands of Instagram followers, or just slipping into and out of church on a weekly basis. Although those are not “bad” things, they do not equate to the necessity of authentic belonging. They do not fill the inherent and undeniable need we all have to do life with others, to experience true and genuine community. 

The Gospel Coalition notes, “Belonging is our primary human need. Beyond food and shelter, nothing promotes human flourishing like having a people and place of belonging. Research confirms that income level, marriage and children, and perceived security all pale in comparison to belonging in promoting sustained happiness. We long to belong.”

As followers of Jesus, belonging is dualistic. It is found both in relationship with God and others. 

PAUSE: Reflect on this question: Where have I been searching for belonging?

PRACTICE: Create space for community with God and others this week. 

PRAY: God, thank You that I belong to You. Amen.