For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

Ever wonder where you belong?

Even in the healthiest homes, children can grow up with a quiet ache of lostness. Later, they may have no memory of ever fully relaxing into a safe embrace, the kind that lets every muscle soften, every guard fall, every fear unclench. So they move into adulthood carrying a deep hunger for belonging.   But because they are driven by need, they stretch out their arms indiscriminately. Others own them and hurt them. 

And even in the best of churches, believers can feel lost. Dysfunctional congregational life sets them up to stay on the sidelines, wondering where they fit in. Community seems to belong to the naturally confident or the fortunate few already part of a circle. Others stand just outside, wondering if there is really a place for them at all.

Oh, there are no safe masters except Jesus. Our life with Him began when we believed and trusted Him with our souls. We stepped through the Door. But many of us entered and then stopped short. We were saved but still cautious. Still standing near the threshold. Afraid of intimacy. Afraid of surrender. Afraid that if we come too close, we may be hurt again. So we linger, stiff and guarded.

Steve Brown, of Key Life Ministries, said, “Many come to Jesus to get saved but don’t stay long enough to get loved.”

He can heal our timidity. We can rest. We can breathe. It’s imperative in the days we live because only those with a burning love for God can endure the intensity of living in an increasingly godless age. This was the hallmark of the early Christians who went to their death singing. They had been loved deeply enough that even martyrdom could not separate them from joy.

Like a baby in a mother’s arms, I live securely with You. Amen