This morning I woke up with the song “The Family Of God”* on my mind. And as I took our dog out, drank my coffee, and showered, the song remained with me. But the line of the song which kept coming back to me most was “I’m not worthy to be here, but, praise God, I belong.”
I’ve always been impressed with those people who would adopt children who were generally categorized as “un-adoptable”. Such people choose to give these children a place to belong; a place where they can thrive rather than simply exist. These people help bring a stable identity to those children as they are taken into a new family where they are wanted and loved.
This is also the picture of God’s love for us. What a blessing it is to be a part of God’s family. What an encouragement to know through Christ we have been placed in the family of which we can be children forever. What an identity we receive as we have been taken as “orphans” and placed in the “house of the King.”**
The writer of Hebrews stated. . .
“(10) For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. (11) For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers,” (Hebrews 2:10-11 ESV)
In spite of our unworthiness, God provides a place to belong. He has provided the means of being established in His family. Being a part of God’s family is an identity into which He brings us. And if that isn’t something to praise God about, I don’t know what is! God wants me in His family! God wants you in His family! Praise God we can belong!
Have a great day PRAISING THE SOURCE OF OUR IDENTITY!
Carl
