Belonging – The Presidential Prayer Team

For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture. – Psalm 95:7

Who are your people? At the core of life, beyond food and shelter, there is little more important than “belonging.” For years, social science has been exploring what makes people secure and satisfied in life. The conclusions are consistent across the generations, and it can be summed up simply: the healthiest and happiest people on Earth are those having a place to be known and to know others – a place where they belong. Again, science has “discovered” God’s plan for humankind and it is good!

Some may confuse belonging with joining a club or being welcomed into a group. But the Bible describes it as something much deeper. As adopted sons and daughters of God, those inviting Christ to be Lord of their life are liberated from slavery to self as the foundation of their identity. Being fully known and fully accepted by God frees you from endless striving, desperately trying to achieve your own will and attain your own desires. Paradoxically, a child of God loses their life to Christ only to receive a better life – one that is redeemed, transformed, and fulfilled. It is another glorious picture of death, burial, and resurrection.

Give thanks today that your great need for belonging has been beautifully provided for in Jesus Christ. If there is anything in your heart you have yet to fully give to Christ, release it today. Pray for those governing the nation to find their identity and belonging in Christ, and that they would seek His will in their decisions and actions.

Today’s Verse: Psalm 95:7

For he is our God,
    and we are the people of his pasture,
    and the sheep of his hand.
Today, if you hear his voice,

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Recommended for further reading: Ephesians 1:5-10

⁵he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, ⁶to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. ⁷In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, ⁸which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight ⁹making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ ¹⁰as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.