Forgotten. Rejected. Unnoticed. Ignored. Uninvited.
Feeling left out isn’t pretty.
Recently battling a personal situation which tempted me to wander in social exile, voices from my past echoed in the corridor of my heart. The last chosen for the school sports team. The agony of not being asked to dance. Excluded from a party. Overlooked for a promotion. Being fired from a job. And (honestly), moments when I’ve felt I just didn’t fit in. These events have left me with the stark realization that I’m not everyone’s cup of tea. It’s not like I need everyone to like me—but—I want everyone to like me! Sigh.
Can you relate?
If you feel left out . . . you are not the only one.
Though it’s easy to assume no one else can understand, at one time or another, we have all felt left out, and maybe still do. When we feel left out due to the occurrence of other’s actions (or lack of), our immediate thoughts declare we are inadequate, less than, unworthy.
Oh Friend, this could not be farther from the truth. Take heart in knowing God has a heart for those who feel left out.
Jesus Himself knows personally what it feels like to be rejected, abandoned, left out. Religious leaders believed Him to be a fraud and plotted ways to murder Him. Public opinion swayed from cheering Him for His miracles, to mocking Him and demanding His death by crucifixion. Many rejected His claims to be the Messiah. He was betrayed by Judas, and publicly denied by Peter, one of His best friends. Even as He hung on the cross in agony He cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46).
If you feel left out . . . Jesus understands how you feel.
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not
(Isaiah 53:3).
Jesus knew the experience of feeling left out.
We all have character flaws. We cannot change people. We have no control over those that make us feel banished to wander in the wilderness. We can, however, stop making others responsible for us feeling worthy and loved. This is God’s job, and He does it well.
If you feel left out . . . this is not a vote on your self-worth.
No human being will ever satisfy our deepest longings. God is faithful and is the only one who will fulfill the cries of our hearts. If we feel left out, we are reminded to draw near to God and strengthen our identity in Christ. We do not have to base our identity on the opinions of others to be complete. It is our secure identity in Christ that confirms our complete worthiness. When we seek our worth in Him, He holds out His hand and says, “You’re in.”
Know that God is for you.
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?
(Romans 8:31).
So today, Friend, if you feel left out . . . know full well that your rejection pales in comparison to God’s eternal, complete, unconditional love and acceptance!
Father God, when I am crushed by my circumstances, help me remember you are near to the brokenhearted. May I find strength in your presence, knowing you are always with me. Amen.
What’s your go-to Bible verse that brings you comfort and strength when you feel left out? I’d love to hear it!
2 thoughts on “If You Feel Left Out”
Wow Dawn so well said. It is hard to be the excluded and unwanted member of the team. I see the other side someone ad to make the difference and include. I was the great athlete but I always chose the least to be on my team. It was not about the win but letting that person know they could make a difference in the game. Happy people and many losses built a great community of those with emergent skills. Now know I liked the win and admittedly in personal competition I had no mercy. So not perfect myself. Ha ha! Such a great message so hard to be left out but that’s where we get a chance to let His Light shine. Love your blog💕
So very true, Karen. Including others and letting them know they make a difference not only impacts them, but us as well! Well said. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!