May 21

Make sure no outsider who now follows God ever has occasion to say, ‘God put me in second-class. I don’t really belong.’ And make sure no physically mutilated person is ever made to think, ‘I’m damaged goods. I don’t really belong”. Isaiah 56:3 (MSG)

Being rejected by a parent—mother or father—can open the door for us to reject ourselves and believe that is all we deserve. It can leave the door wide open for others to reject us in the same way. Perhaps there is a sense that if they could not love or care for us—and they are the very parents who gave birth to us—then there must be something deeply wrong with us, because surely they are always right. But that is not true, dear heart, and it could not be further from the truth.

When they rejected you, it was a sign of their brokenness, not yours. It reflected their limited ability to love and nurture others—specifically you—not because there was any flaw in you, but because they were unable to give what they themselves may never have known how to give.

When we come into agreement with those kinds of lies about ourselves, we begin carrying the pain and brokenness of others. That journey can lead us further and further away from the truth of who we really are—and Whose we are.

Today, beloved, let God wash away the lies, for He is your true place of belonging. You were made to find home in His heart, and for Him to dwell in yours. Cherished one, let no one tell you otherwise, for you most certainly belong.

Listen now to the only true God, Who promises that even if your father or mother forsake you—He will take you up. You are completely accepted in Him, and you are His. He is your Father, and you are part of His family. His nurturing love overshadows all rejection and loss, all torment and pain.

There is no second-class place for you, chosen one, for you are “accepted in the Beloved” and “highly favoured” by God. You are perfectly lovely in every way, beauty. You are first in God’s heart, held tenderly in His care, and deeply loved.

Prayer:

Dearest Lord, You are so kind and tender-hearted, and Your Word says that You carry us like a mother carries a child in her womb—lovingly nurtured and cared for each day.

You know all about me, Lord—inside and out—and You are attentive to all of my needs. You are a generous and loving God Who does all things well, including fearfully and wonderfully making me.

I do not always see it in myself, Lord—the wonderfully made part—but I know that the miracles of Your kindness are over my life, and You do all things well.

Let my life be a celebration song to You, Jesus, for You have kissed my heart with forgiveness, saved me from my sin, and healed me inside and out. You are a glorious God, worthy of all praise—a God Who makes all things right.