God puts the lonely in families

Psalm 68 v 6 - God puts the lonely in families 

Have you ever felt alone? It's estimated that a shocking 3.1 million people feel lonely in the UK - these are the latest figures from the government for 2024.  Not having anyone to talk to can really impact our mental health. We all can relate to talking to a friend about a certain problem we might be facing, especially over a cup of tea or coffee. In some ways we can take for granted the support we have around us at any given time. Millions of people are feeling very alone. How can we combat this issue in our society? Who will stand up and help alleviate this?  I know there are many organisations helping with this but can we help in our own neighbourhoods? 

It says in the bible that Jesus loves the lonely and wants to set them in families.  What does this mean? God's family should be a family of support and love. In God's family there hopefully can be found a welcoming for all, a place of belonging and a sense of being seen and loved, with no strings attached.  There's no need to feel alone, as in God's family you are always welcomed despite your background or needs. 

What's your natural family like? I was very fortunate to have a loving, supportive family around me growing up. We could laugh together and cry together. My parents modelled what real love should look like; they modelled kindness, leadership, integrity, and love for God and people. This is something I will treasure and I don't take it for granted as I realise not everyone has had this type of support system.  Being shown and given love allows us to give love away.  It's hard to give from an empty pot. It reminds us again, that everyone needs a good role model to aspire to.  What role model can you be in your world?  

The love of God and the family of God allows us to feel loved again. God wants to fill you up with so many good things. It says in the bible our cups can be overflowing. When we are in God's family and know how much God loves us, we have more than enough!  Meaning we will have more than enough for ourselves and an abundance to give to others. We can be love conduits to others who may need it. What a gift to give!  

Even if we don't have close relationships in our families. Jesus says that he will be a friend to us, no matter our background and circumstance he loves you.  It's says in: 

Prov 18 v 24

There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. 

Peter was one of Jesus' closest friends. However, even Peter let Jesus down when he denied even knowing him! He feared for his own life and tried to forget his friend. How did it make Jesus feel? Yes we may be let down by friends or even family, but God never lets us down. Through every circumstance we can rely on his love and support to sustain us. 

God wants to set us in families and communities of others who we can relate to and build relationships with, either through the church and others we may meet so we can find belonging and purpose. Through God's spirit we can connect with people in a far deeper way. We are able to pray for each other through our darkest moments and laugh together in our joys and triumphs. A community of warmth and belonging is close to God's heart. His love for you is so vast and he wants you to know that you are such a treasure. 

Peace and Rest

John 14 v 27 - Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you.  I don't give as the world gives.  Do not be troubled and do not be afraid. 

When we search for inner peace we often look in the wrong places.  May be thinking, if we only had more money we would have peace, if I could just find that perfect relationship, or job then I'd find peace.  May be if we didn't worry so much about everything, then we'd find perfect peace.  When we really think about it, what things on earth can truly give us peace? Is there anything that can be found that is really lasting? 

What was the last thing you worried about?  How did you cope with it?  What can you do to alleviate that worry?  Did you try and cope on your own or did you commit that thing to God?  Worry is mentioned over 300 times in the bible, so I think God understands it's a human response that is sometimes difficult for us to overcome. It says in the bible that God gives us peace that will last. 

True peace isn't about re-organising our external world but flows from knowing God who is the Prince of Peace.  His unmerited favour and love upon us can give us peace that will last.  God loves us no matter what and wants to help. 

Romans 5 v 1 - Therefore since we have been justified by faith, we can have peace with God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Knowing God can bring us peace and knowing also that as he goes with us then we know we have absolutely nothing to fear.  There is nothing we need worry about with God by our side.  The stability it brings can give us confidence for a bright future. 

We can fully rest in this, that God knows and understands us.  He will calm our stormy waters when the rain and wind comes.  It says in the bible, he will never leave you or forsake you.  When you are feeling burdened give these to God and he will give you rest.  

Exodus 35 v 14 - My presence will go with you and I will give you rest. 

Luke 12 v 25 - Who of you by worrying can add a singe hour to your life? 

Matt 11 v 28 - Come to me all who are burdened and I will give you rest. 

We lack nothing

Psalm - 23 v 1 - The Lord is my shepherd I lack nothing.  

Psalm 138 v 8 God will fulfil his purpose for me 

We often compare ourselves to others and see their happiness and successes without realising or celebrating our own. We often focus on what we don't have, rather on what we do have and what God has blessed us with.  

I distinctly remember giving up work for a while whilst I had very young children.  I remember at the time feeling frustrated because I missed working. I was seeing everyone else's successes whilst mine seem to be ever in the distance. However, I soon realised what a privilege it was to spend some time with the children whilst they were young. I wasn't ever going to get the time back again with them. I needed to celebrate my own journey and successes not look at everyone else's around me.  During that time though I was able  to speak to many people, as I met so many other mums at different groups and socials.  God was always there - still working out his purposes for me.  

It gave me opportunity as well to work for church for a short period of time, where I continued with my worship leading and music which I'd been involved in for over 25 years. Then as my daughter was about to start infant school, I prayed that God would find me another job I could fit around the children's school runs as not many jobs really offered that flexibility. Again, God was there working it all out for me before I even prayed!  Or may be he knew I'd prayed that already, and had been working it out behind the scenes, as God already knows the future!  To my amazement, I got a job in a school as a Music Teacher. It wasn't something I sought out to do, but I can only really explain it as an absolute miracle from heaven! God was there working it all out in order to use my gifts and talents further. 

We often have more than enough to accomplish God's purposes in our lives. Yes sometimes we may lack confidence (I certainly did) but God wants us to trust him to allow him to work in whatever season we are in. God doesn't want us to just see others' successes as something special but he wants you to know that you are also special and bring many gifts and abilities into the world for people to benefit from. 

God wants you to discover your own box of talent as a way to serve others.  We can pick up new skills or even old projects and renew them.  Let God speak to you so you are able to discover your talents.  May be you could find a trusted friend or relative who may be able to encourage you.

Whatever age, God has provided everything we need to start on our journey of faith to carry out his will for our lives and we lack nothing! God can help us learn what skills we can develop to help other people.  Don't waste time procrastinating or feeling regret for wasted opportunities because it's never too late to start. Your talents, skills, personality, abilities and love are needed by so many, so be encouraged and don't give up. 

Proverbs 19 v 21 - Many are the plans in a person's heart.  But the Lord's purpose will prevail.