Anchorage: The Storm of Loneliness | Part 5 of 8Sample

Finding Acceptance In God’s Presence

We often try to find acceptance, recognition, and worth in the sight of those around us, especially the ones we hold in high regard. But when we fail to meet these expectations that we set for ourselves, or simply don’t find the warmth and comfort from the people we value, we tend to shut ourselves in. What we lose in the process is our desire to be accepted and cherished. We may even find our confidence dented and damaged. But whether you are someone who refuses to or simply lacks the desire or confidence to approach and confide in others, the only person that you can truly rely on for acceptance is God. From this relationship, we are able to repair all the other broken and shallow relationships and find joy in the company of others.

We all know Joseph, who made it to the palace of the Pharaoh. That is the same Joseph who, from a mere commoner, became the second most powerful leader in all of Egypt. But what about the Joseph who suffered years of hatred, rejection, neglect, false accusation, and even imprisonment? As a young boy, Joseph was aware of the great destiny that was in store for him. He saw dreams of his future, although he may not have fully grasped the significance and immense promise of these dreams. But what unfolded over the next few years of his life was far from the grandeur and greatness that his dreams promised. He was sold as a slave, forced into the life of a servant, wrongly accused, made a prisoner, and he lived his life unseen and forgotten by those around him. The loneliness he was subject to and the sense of being wronged must have been a crippling burden. But we see do not one instance of him complaining about his cruel fate. He never once resented God for showing him dreams of great promise while having to live out nothing short of a nightmare. In the midst of his loneliness and hardship, he found a companion in God. The years he spent in isolation and neglect were the years he learned to dwell in God’s presence and trust Him. These were the years of preparation for the great destiny that he was about to step into.

As much as there is a danger in relying solely on the company and good regard of others, there is also a danger in neglecting the comfort and growth that comes from fellowship. At times it is good to remove yourself from the crowd and just surrender in the presence of God. We see Jesus often disappearing into the wilderness to spend time with His Father in prayer and worship. It is from these moments spent in God’s presence that we draw strength and peace. God wants us to establish healthy relationships with those around us, relationships that help us to grow both in life and our spiritual journey.

Reflection

Do you seek acceptance from your friends and family? Do the opinions and thoughts of others matter to you more than the truth that God declares over you? The presence of God is a place of complete rest and comfort. It is a place of ministering and building ourselves up in light of who God sees us to be.