“Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.”
– Psalm 27:10
We’ve been talking about feelings of loneliness and how we tend to disconnect from others because we are afraid they will reject the parts of us that are messed up and flawed. Consequently, we put on a false front and pretend that we are stronger and more “okay” than we really are. However, I want to tell you resolutely today that pretending is the world’s way, it is not God’s way. Your Heavenly Father gives you permission to come to Him broken, beat up, doubting, ragged, hurting, and frustrated, and in return, He gives you restfor your soul. He yokes you to His abundant life, and then naturally, with little effort on your part, He fills you with freedom, joy, and other eternal treasures that your soul needs to thrive. The sad reality is that when you don’t come to Jesus first in your loneliness, you try and force others to meet your needs in ways that don’t take them into consideration. This often manifests in controlling behaviors. Have you ever had someone, maybe a parent, friend, or family member, who practically demands that you spend time with them, but when you do, they stay busy and distracted or act like they really don’t want you there? While that individual recognizes that they need relationship, they are afraid to truly connect because they fear rejection. As a result, they subconsciously shut people out, which ends up breeding more feelings of loneliness. From there, such individuals may withdraw to addictions, compulsions, or other chronic behaviors that anesthetize the pain of isolation. Friend, I want you to know that you are lovable just as you are, and that part of living as a disciple of Jesus is taking off your mask with the people who matter most in your life. Although there is always a risk of rejection, the reward of true and connected relationship should far outweigh the pain of the few who may choose not to accept your whole person. When you are securely grounded in the unconditional love of Jesus and you allow Him to support and sustain you, you have the courage to be fully seen and deeply known. As you plug into His sufficiency and take to heart the good things He has spoken over your life, you will flourish! |
Prayer
Thank you, Jesus, for accepting me just as I am. Give me the courage to take off my mask with others, knowing that I rest securely in your love.
Reflection
In your loneliness, have you ever tried to control others? How can finding security in Jesus help you with this?
2 Responses
I felt rejected and lonely during my one and a half year in high school. Because my so called friends didn’t understand my learning disability.I have a mild form of autism aka as Aspberger’sSyndrom. But what kept me grounded during that dark period was my rock solid faith .Because I knew there was something even brighter for me. I discovered a better group of friends in the Glee Club.They enabled me to come out of my shell. And that’s how I discovered my love for singing.Through my voice. I can uplift people’s lives.It is a gift that was given to me from God. I give thanks to him constantly. I hope and pray that the Hour of Power will continue its mission of reaching the lost and broken people with the life saving messages of God’s redeeming love. And to Pastor Bobby Schuller and his beautiful family much love and prayers.And also to Shepherd’s Grove at Irvine Presbyterian Church. May God bless them.And to the Hour of Power choir and orchestra along with the Voices of Hope Children’s Choir.Love and prayers to all.As always I remain a faithful viewer
of the Hour of Power and Happy and Wholesome Student in Jesus Christ
Dear Donna,
Thank you so much for sharing how God used pain and discomfort to bring about something better in your life — He is so faithful!
We are grateful for your continued love, prayers, and support and for the many ways He has used your life and your gifts to bless the world around you. God loves you and so do we!