Longing to BelongSample

Cruel words can wound, and hurt people tend to hurt people. Whenever people shove me into the shadows with their disregard (whether intentional or not), I’m tempted to take a negative tone. The promise in Psalm 139:9–12 helps me rein in destructive thoughts before they reach my tongue. Instead of lashing out, I can speak life-giving affirmations drawn from Scripture to bring healing to myself and others. I can shine light on foul attempts by darkness to snuff life out of my words.

Knowing the night shines as bright as the day to God matters to me. It speaks tenderly into my lonely spaces where black clouds barrel in, unwelcome and unannounced, shrouding even the sunniest disposition. In moments like these, I can trust that I am never invisible to God.

If misplaced trust, broken relationships, or violations have driven you into the shadows, God longs to draw you into the light. Evil takes advantage of invisibility, but you are not invisible. God sees you and the wrongs that have been done to you. He is a God of justice and mercy. Ask him to make your rescue route glow in the dark. 

One of God’s names is El Roi, which means the God who sees. El Roi sees us in the piercing brightness of morning, and he sees us just as clearly in the dense darkness of night. No height of good deeds performed for him and no depth of sin committed against him will make us more or less seen by God. 

Believe and speak this truth for yourself: I am not invisible. After all, your tongue has power. Use it for good.

Declare this truth: 

I am not invisible.

Pray this aloud:

Dear God, thank you that even if the darkness of this world tries to swallow me whole and cloak me with insignificance, you see me. I don’t ever have to fear being captured by darkness and held in the shadows apart from you. You will join me in my darkest moments and see me just as clearly. Even when I’m not able (or unwilling) to see you, your hand continues to guide me and your strength supports me. Thank you for seeing me just as I am and for promising me a bright future. Amen.