Daily Journal: 2 September

The Orphan Default

John 14:18 (NIV)

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

It's a funny thing that the human soul can easily feel like an orphan. Loss of anything significant can foster that orphan identity. Loss of relationship or friendship, marriage, children, parents, community, loss of our place in the world or spiritual stability can all make us feel bereft; bereft of roots and significance and belonging.

We will forever default to an orphan mentality if we don’t realise our identity as God’s created, purposeful handiwork.

Genesis 1:27 (NIV)

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

If we don't identify in being made in His image, in being His creation, loved first by Him, then we grapple with our significance and our place in this world.

Ephesians 2:10 (GWT)

God has made us what we are. He has created us in Christ Jesus to live lives filled with good works that he has prepared for us to do.

When you recognise you carry an orphan mentality, look to God’s assurances.

Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)

The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged”

We are not owned. We belong. We have a place, even a standing.

Romans 8:15-16 (NLV)

You should not act like people who are owned by someone. They are always afraid. Instead, the Holy Spirit makes us His sons, and we can call to Him, “My Father.” For the Holy Spirit speaks to us and tells our spirit that we are children of God.

When we find ourselves in the LORD, we find peace. We find identity. When we find our identity in Him, we are happy. We are happy because we know what we pursue, and we pursue because we belong.

Psalm 19:8 (NCV)

The orders of the Lord are right; they make people happy. The commands of the Lord are pure; they light up the way.

Isaiah 43:7,13 (NLT)

Bring all who claim me as their God, for I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them.’” “From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done.”

How can you describe your place of belonging in Christ Jesus?

Lord, I pray that we would know that to live in your presence is to live in your identity, to have a place of belonging that nobody can dislodge us from. Help us to know who you created us to be and to be 'found' in you, the Almighty loving God.