Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. Isaiah 43:1

There’s nothing worse than being parented by someone who is not a good person and one who, ultimately, has it in for me. Every decision made on my behalf has questionable motives. But, there’s nothing better than belonging to Abba.  He sincerely loves me. Every decision made on my behalf is for my benefit. With Him, I can breathe, not worrying about whether or not He will change His mind about me. There was no honeymoon stage.  It started well and it will end well.

Some kids live every day in fear as fickle parents demand performance for the privilege of living at home. Others exist in a marriage where an unstable spouse turns love off and on like a faucet. You never know what mood you’re going to encounter in the morning. Belonging to a master in either of these settings feels like a prison sentence.

Oh, but daughter of God, you never need fear belonging to Abba. He counted the days till you chose Him. He loved you before He made you. You were valuable to Him even when you didn’t love him back. He paid with His Son’s life to make belonging to Him possible. Once His, you’re always His. Once He loves, He always loves.

Finally, you and I have a place to belong that is wonderful. No matter how out of step we are with our world, we know where to go home to feel better. No matter how much we may not fit in with our families, we are at home in God’s family. No matter what powerful person may have rejected us in this life, we have another life that is more real and permanent than this one here. God calls us by name and he tells each of us, “You are mine.” He is a jealous God and that jealousy can be trusted because it is holy!

The spiritual orphan feels alone, trying get her needs met the best way she can. Each day is ‘good’ or ‘bad’ depending on who loves her or who doesn’t. She wanders from person to person ~ looking for a place to belong. She peeks into the windows of seemingly happy homes and dreams of living there. Ah, but she has a home in God. Nothing can shake loose the terms of her adoption and spiritual birthright.  Heaven’s legal papers were permanently signed with red ink.

At my new birth, Jesus gave me His hand and drew me from exile. His voice pierced my soul and He brought me to His Abba Father. The effect was thunder. The call was a whisper.

I am Yours and You are mine!  I will forever speak of the wonder of belonging to You. Amen