“Our friendship with Jesus is personal, but not private. To be connected to Jesus in friendship is to be connected to his friends as well.”- Trevor Hudson, Beyond Loneliness
“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are his children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.”- Romans 8:16-17 (NIV)
In Chapter 12 (“The Security of Belonging”) of Transforming Loneliness, Ruth Graham notes that a family gives us a sense of belonging. Most significantly, God serves as ‘head of the household’ in the family of God. Therefore, to the lonely, that means they have a place to belong. With God as their Father.
However, despite the truth that God loves to give good things to His children, many lonely believers view God as distant. Far away. Hence, you need to find something to make you feel more connected to Him. To transform your relationship with God into a greater sense of belonging.
Consequently, we need to view ourselves in terms of design, purpose, role, and intentionality. Because God designed, even gifted us, to connect with one another. In addition, we each possess a purpose to build up and equip one another. As a result, we need to explore precisely what role we want to serve. So, that leaves intentionality.
Yet, when you hurt in loneliness, you rarely put forth the energy to step out. But if you long to belong, you must step up and step out. For as you share your gifts, others benefit as well as share their gifts with you. And that requires soul care.
In conclusion, Annie Lent comments in For the Lonely:
“Inviting God’s love to fill your loneliness takes some soul care. His love builds the secure foundation from which you can take the risky and scary steps of inviting people into your life.”
Today’s question: How do you describe your friendship with Jesus? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Free us from ourselves – become servants”
