Some days the biggest truth we could use a reminder of is, “you belong.”
Because, you know? Sometimes we just don’t feel like we do.
Even with good intentions, I sometimes say the wrong words. I do the wrong things. I mess up even when I try my hardest to act, live, and be perfect. Some days are just one big mess after another.
Then there are the moments where my feelings get hurt, and my heart gets bruised. The enemy of my soul whispers in my ear, “You most definitely don’t belong.”
There once was a time I believed that lie. But today, I know better. Maybe he’s whispered the same words in your ear recently, and after hearing it time and time again, you are starting to believe it.
Friend, nothing could be farther from the truth.
You belong, because you are His.
Please allow me to explain.
We have a favorite child’s movie in our home, and it’s full of lessons for child and adult alike. It’s Toy Story. One of my favorite lessons is the marking of Andy’s name on the bottom of Woody’s boot. Actually, it appears Andy wrote his name on each of his precious toys. Each toy was important to him, and from the toys’ perspectives, with Andy’s name inscribed on them, they knew they were. They knew they were special. They mattered to Andy. They belonged.
Our son loved Woody and the gang as a little boy, and now that he’s grown, he still has a special place in his heart for his childhood toy friends. I won’t confirm or deny if he still has a few of them lingering in his bedroom, but let me just share what’s on Jessie’s boot.
And sometimes seeing Andy’s name is the only reminder I need: I’m marked by the One who created me. I belong.
So are you.
You are marked. You belong.
God took his time forming you, creating you into someone special. Instead of writing His name on your boot, He placed a God-sized hole in your heart that only He can fill.
And when we allow God to take up residence in that hole through His Son, Jesus, we are marked with a special seal. A seal that can never be removed or erased or altered. It’s as if it’s written in permanent ink.
The truth is the Good News. When you heard the truth, you put your trust in Christ. Then God marked you by giving you His Holy Spirit as a promise. Ephesians 1:13 NLV
In the Worldwide English translation look what it says:
You also believed in Christ when you heard the true message. That message is the good news by which you were saved. You received the Holy Spirit whom God had promised. You were marked as belonging to him.
Amen and amen. You and I are marked as belonging to Him.
There is our reminder if we need it today. Even if we mess up. Even if we say and do the wrong things. Even if it appears our lives are one big mess after another. We don’t belong because of anything we’ve done, or how anyone else has treated us.
We belong because of Who we belong to.
And that’s what really matters. That’s a great reason to live free and be who God created us to be.
May we lived like marked ones today!
And just for fun, it might be a good time for a Toy Story movie night.
Blessings,
Julie
Linking this post with Susie Eller for #livefreeThursday.
Looking for a Bible Study for the new year? Join Suzie’s study: 30 Days of Life Shaking Study in The Word.
I LOVE this post!! My daughter loves Jessie from Toy Story, and my heart breaks at the thought of her getting close to outgrowing that simple sense of belonging that a child has.
Thank you for your encouraging and thoughtful words today.
Happy Thursday!!!
Megs
I can relate, Meg. Our kids grow up way too fast. The simple Toy Story days came and went all too quickly. I’m thankful my son still has a few in his bedroom here at home. Cherish the small moments! Thanks for stopping over and for sharing your thoughts. Bless you!
Love this! You’re the second person to refer back to Toy Story and the name on Woody’s shoe today! I love the analogy and I am so grateful to be MARKED by HIM!!! Yes! We are chosen, we are HIS! #livefreeThursday
PS: We may just have to make it a Toy Story viewing night here, as well 😉
Hi Crystal! Toy Story and Woody was first thing that popped into my mind when I saw the prompt “marked.” Yes, so grateful to be marked by Him! It’s a joy to have you here today. Thanks for stopping in!
Love this Julie! “Permanent Ink”! Yay!
Yes, I’m thankful the ink is permanent! Thanks, Cindy.
Loved this post. Didn’t I mention this scene to you awhile ago? I use it in my baptism class.
You know, I’m not sure. I love it though. (You might have to refresh my memory.)
Julie, I’ve read this post several times now. The title spoke loudly to me. I’ve been feeling like I don’t belong anywhere for several weeks now. It has begun to cause me to withdraw from social activities. I think it’s being raised very sheltered, as well as my personality. But, yes, what matters most is I Belong because of Who I Belong to. Thank you!
Thanks for sharing this, Kim. I’ve been feeling similarly in most circles. But I’m reminded, too, of Hebrews 13:14 which reads, “For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.” (NLT) It’s no wonder we sometimes feel like we don’t belong here on this earth… because we’re not supposed to. We belong in heaven with Jesus. Knowing we belong to God now helps us keep our hearts pointed towards heaven. I encourage you not to withdraw from your activities, but boldly move forward in the hope you have in Jesus. You belong, my friend, to the One who matters most. You are loved!
Yes! You are reminding me of the song, Where I Belong, by Building 429.
chorus:
All I know is I’m not home yet
This is not where I belong
Take this world and give me Jesus
This is not where I belong
Perfect song. I’m thankful we share this same hope! Thanks for reminding me of this great song.