God sets the lonely in families, he leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. –Psalm 68:6
When I was a boy growing up in Dayton, Ohio, there was an orphanage not far from my home. Several children from the orphanage attended my elementary school. Some of them blended in fairly well, but others seemed to stand out due to their behavioral problems. These were kids who had been removed from homes where there were all sorts of horrible abuse. Even now I shudder to think about what some of them had endured. In my memories I can almost see their expressions which masked the inner turmoil they felt. I used to think how sad it would have been to not have a family; brothers, sisters, loving parents, and grandparents. Going to school with these kids from the orphanage caused me to be thankful for the blessings of being born into a loving and caring family.
Whatever your background or your life circumstances, there is a place for you in God’s family. The idea of being in the family of God is not some quaint euphemism or cliché, but rather the term refers to an actual state of being. Through faith in Jesus Christ we need not be alone in the world. Yes, life can be lonely, the world can be a terrible place, and life often treats us unfairly. However, we do not have to suffer our way through it all alone. The Lord will help us, strengthen us, and give us guidance, and He will also adopt us into His family. When we accept God’s offer of salvation through Jesus Christ, the result is adoption into the family of God. We become heirs to a kingdom; one that will outshine and outlast anything the world has to offer.
I once spoke with a man who had endured many hardships and difficulties. He became discouraged to the point that he wondered whether life was any longer worth the living. He had come to believe that he was all alone in the world. Through trusting in the Lord he came to the realization that he did indeed have much to live for. Through Christ he had a multitude of brothers and sisters and caring people who desired to be a part of his life. He did not give up, nor did he surrender to the dark forces that were warring against his soul. This man trusted in Jesus Christ and became one of the most vibrant Christian men I have ever known. I still speak with him on occasion, and he remains an active part of a Bible-believing congregation where Christ is exalted the gospel is proclaimed. My old friend is happily a part of the family of God.
Such a story can work for you as well. In Jesus Christ there is hope. Trust in Him and become a part of God’s family.
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