In the few times I have worked with teenagers who were having suicidal thoughts, one common thread wove through all of their darkest thoughts: I just don’t feel like I belong. When someone does not feel as if they belong, they often feel as if their life has no purpose. They feel as if they are alone and isolated. They feel as if they have no one who will listen to them.

                In the depths of woe over our sin, we can often feel these same feelings: I do not belong, I am alone, I have no one to listen to me, I have no purpose in my life. When you are tempted to feel that way, I would ask you to hear God’s loving call to you in the words of Isaiah 62:1-5. Here God proclaims loudly, “You are loved. I rejoice in you.”

                In Christ, our God does not see us as stained and flawed, sinful and rebellious. Consider how He does see us using His own words: You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God. (Isaiah 62:3). He sees us as valuable and precious. He gives us a purpose, ruling with Him in His kingdom as we work to build that kingdom by sharing the Word.

                Consider how close a relationship He desires to have with us. Our sin had left us deserted. A holy and righteous God could not dwell with an evil and rebellious people, with a sinful nation. So God sent His Son to restore our relationship with Him through His Son’s death. Now, we are called Hephzibah, my delight is in her. Our salvation brings God great joy. He chooses to dwell within us.

                Finally consider our new family. As a young man marries a young woman, so will your Builder marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you. (Isaiah 62:5) The Church, all true believers in Christ, is the bride of Christ Jesus. He longs to have that intimate relationship with us as He continues to work all things for our good, to intercede for us when the devil dares to accuse us, and to prepare a place for us in His home in heaven.               

Dear brothers and sisters, we belong. We are the bride of Christ. Daily He seeks to love and care for us. And we have purpose in serving Him in gratitude and joy.

Blessings.

Frank Van Brocklin Principal/Staff Minister

Ahead this week at Immanuel Lutheran School:

❖ Wednesday, January 12 ILSA Meeting - 6:00 PM

❖ Friday, January 14 Accelerated Reader Ice Skating Field Trip

❖ Friday, January 14 Basketball - Away vs Trinity, Marshfield - 5:00 PM

❖ Saturday, January 15 Principal’s Conference - St. John, Neillsville

❖ Sunday, January 16 Open Forum and Call Meeting - 2:30 PM

❖ Monday, January 17 No School

❖ T u e s d a y, J a n u a r y 1 8 F a c ult y M e e tin g - 3:3 0 P M

❖ T h u r s d a y, J a n u a r y 2 0 C h u r c h C o u n cil - 6:0 0 P M

❖ F rid a y, J a n u a r y 2 1 B a s k e t b all - H o m e v s S t. P a ul, Wis c o n sin R a pid s - 5:3 0 P M