Day 5: I fear rejection.

Rejection hurts. A lot. It's a fundamental aspect of the human experience, and no one is immune from its sting. Even years after the event or situation, one can still feel the pain of rejection as if it happened yesterday.

Hebrews 4:15 (TPT) reminds us, "He understands humanity, for as a man, our magnificent King-Priest was tempted in every way just as we are, and conquered sin."

But does Jesus truly understand the pain of rejection? The answer is yes.

His own brothers doubted Him, even though they didn't yet believe in Him as the Savior (John 7:5). The people in His hometown turned against Him (Matthew 13:57). Jesus faced hatred and disdain from religious leaders and others in positions of power. He experienced rejection even from His closest disciples, such as Judas and Peter (Matthew 26:49; John 18:15-27).

These examples demonstrate that Jesus was intimately acquainted with rejection. Isaiah 53:3 prophesied about Jesus, saying, "He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. . . and we held him in low esteem."

Just as Jesus experienced rejection, so too can we expect to face it. Not everyone will like us or agree with us. If Jesus, who was perfect, faced rejection, then surely, we will too. John 15:18 reassures us, "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first." In 2 Corinthians 4:9, it says, “We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed.”

In the midst of rejection, God promises to be there for us.

Psalm 27:10 declares, "Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me."

The Greek word used for "receive" is προσελάβετό (proslambanó), which conveys the idea of "taking to oneself," "welcoming," and "aggressively receiving with strong personal interest."

I love the emphasis on God aggressively receiving us with strong personal interest. He is a safe haven, with arms wide open. I encourage you to run straight into His embrace today. Let Him hold you close. Psalm 34:18 reassures us, "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." While we cannot escape rejection, we have a God who loves us unconditionally. Run to Him today.

Dear God, during the pain, tears, and anguish, we turn our hearts towards you. We ask that you fully embrace us and hold us as we heal from the pain of rejection. Thank you for loving us and receiving us. We pray that we feel your closeness and that you mend our broken hearts. Amen.