How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low men find refuge in the shadow of your wings. Psalms 36:7

Have you ever had an intense desire to be a part of the in crowd? Do you know what it feels like to be denied the opportunity? If you answered yes to both of those questions you probably have a clear understanding of what it means to be rejected. We all have an innate desire to be a part of something greater than ourselves. Yet in the face of rejection, it is easy for even the best of us to succumb to the idea that we are not good enough.

Many will never pursue Gods best for their lives because they struggle with believing that anyone could truly accept them. For a time I thought the total solution lied in helping people find their place in the local community of believers. I reformulated my thinking after a friend told me that he found more acceptance at the bar than he did at church. While his comments may not have been 100% fair, they helped me to understand what is truly important.

Is it OK to attend Church? Absolutely! Should church attendance be the goal of the Christian walk? Absolutely not! Psalms 91:1 says, "He who dwells in the secret place (shelter) of the Most High will rest under the shadow (protection) of the Almighty." Our #1 goal as believers should be to find that secret place in God’s presence tailor made for us.

Imagine for a moment a young father holding his new baby for the first time. As the baby begins to cry the father instinctively pulls the child close to his chest and begins to sing a soft lullaby filled with love and adoration. In the comfort of her father’s arms the child falls asleep somehow knowing that everything is all right.

If you have ever been hurt or rejected, God desires to quiet you with his love. Like the father that cares unconditionally for his child, when you cry out, God will be right there to rejoice over you with singing! (see Zeph. 3:17)

Somewhere, someone, somehow will fail or disappoint you (even "Church folks"). Be reminded however, that favor with God is always better than favor with men (see Romans 8:31). You do not have to struggle with fitting in when you realize that there is a place in God’s arms that has been prepared especially for you.

Food for thought: The greatest gift you will ever give the world is your intimacy with God. -Dwight Robertson



Written by Eric Canaday. This article may be reproduced for non-commercial purposes in any medium without applying for permission. © Laborers In Action, Inc.