“You also… are called to belong to Jesus Christ.” Rom. 1:6
Lord Jesus, so many of our desires, disappointments, and delights are associated with “belonging.” From the day we entered the world, our longings for attention, attachment, and affection have been undeniable, daily, and central to our stories.
The quest to find our place in our family of origin has been a source of incredible joy; and, at times, great heartache. This same dynamic inhabits all of our relationships: friendship, romance, vocation, neighboring, play-life. Wanting to belong, not being sure who to trust, experiencing highs and lows, always craving more—these things are always there.
And yet, Jesus, “the belonging of all belongings” is found only in relationship with you. Through the Gospel, you called us to belong to you—to be known, desired, loved. Make this more real and satisfying to us than ever. Indeed, we are “called” to belong—subpoenaed into an eternal bond of favor and intimacy with you. We are called to “belong”—not owned like a new car, but cherished like a new bride. It’s as true and ours as it is astonishing.
The healthiest relationships we enjoy are good gifts to be treasured; but they are only a scent and symbol of what it means to be yours. And our most painful, disconnected relationships hurt; but they don’t deserve defining and paralyzing power.
Lord Jesus, you bought us with the price of your life, and only your love is better than life. Help us to come more fully alive to our belonging-ness and beloved-ness in you. So Very Amen.
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