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 feel that is all we deserve—this then keeps the door wide open for others to reject us in just the same way. Perhaps there is a sense that if they could not love and care for, or about us, and they are our parents who gave birth to us, then there must be something really wrong with us—for they are always right. But the truth is, that isn’t right, dear heart, and it couldn’t be further from the truth.

When they rejected you, it was a sign of their brokenness, not yours. It was an indication of their flawed ability to love and nurture others, specifically you, but not because there was any flaw in you. Rather it was because they just were not able to do what they were meant to do. When we come into agreement with those kinds of lies about us, we come into agreement with others' brokenness. We pick it up and begin our own journey of carrying their pain, and that leads us further and further away from the truth of who we really are, and Who’s we are.

Today, beloved, let God wash away the lies, for He is your true place of belonging. You were made for home in His heart and He 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 pick you up. You are completely accepted in Him and you are His. He is your Father and you are His family. His nurturing love overtakes and overshadows all the rejection and loss, the torment, and the pain.

There is no second-class citizen for you, chosen one, for you are “accepted in the beloved” and “highly favoured” of 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 I know Your Word says 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 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 don’t 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 things right!