"God sets the solitary in families."
Psalm 68:6
A young man said to his counselor, "I have a need in my life and I'm not exactly sure what it is, but strangely enough, I believe it has to do with family. I've really never had much of a family life. I never met my dad. I have no brothers or sisters. My mother had to work when I was a child. When I wasn't at school, I was in an apartment by myself until mother got home from work. I don't know what I would have done without her, but it was just us." The counselor said, "We all need family. I don't think it's strange that you feel the need for family."
God created us for family. The people of Israel came from the family of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The covenant family became the covenant nation to be the light of God to all nations (Isaiah 42:6). They received their identity as the children of Abraham, the family of God. The Son of God, Jesus Christ, came into this world that the people of all nations may be a part of the family of God. Out of the nation of Israel came the Messiah Jesus, who is the light for all people to know God. God invites all of us to be in His family.
Years ago a study was made to understand the reasons for the rise of gangs in our cities. One of the major contributing factors was the break down of family life. The gangs were thought by some researchers to be surrogate families. If their findings are accurate, it is another example of our God given need for family. You need family. Hopefully, you know the joy of being part of a loving, caring family. More than that, all believers in Christ need a church family. Think it not strange that you need family.
Prayer: Father, we thank You for receiving us into Your forever family, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
