EDITOR'S NOTE: Answering life questions with biblical principles is what we do every day at 412teens. The Bible has answers to just about any question we can think of (2 Timothy 3:16). If there isn't a direct answer, then we have biblical principles to help us find what's best for each of us personally. Add to that the fact that Holy Spirit was sent to help us make good decisions, and we can count ourselves well-equipped to deal with life (John 14:16, 26, 15:26).
This blog series gives practical examples of how to use the Bible to solve life's daily problems. Hopefully by seeing these cases, you will begin to understand how the Bible indeed has answers (and we can help you find them). Take note of the Bible references and check them for yourself as you read through Heidi's answer to the following question.
—Cat, 412teens Editor
The very first thing? Know that you are not alone. Countless people struggle with feeling like they are different from everyone around them, that they stick out as the strange one among the group, or that they're a "round peg going into a square hole." The second thing? Never, ever forget that this does not affect your value. Whether you feel like one of the gang, or that you're on the outside looking in, your value does not budge or change or lessen one bit.
Matthew 10:29-31 says, "Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows."
I cannot emphasis enough these two factors: you are not alone, and you are always valuable.
The negative voice inside your head may try to convince you that somehow you have some kind of wrongness about you, but that could not be further from the truth. God made you in your uniqueness, and that is pretty cool.
"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them." — Psalm 139:13-16
I know this doesn't take from the frustration and loneliness of feeling "other" though. So what do you do? Take a deep breath, pray for God to remind you of your value, and take a look around your group. Remember how I said you aren't the only one? Search out others who seem to be on the sidelines, those who don't fit in. You may make a friend, and even if nothing else, you will let that person know they are not alone either.
As always, be in prayer, ask God for help and guidance (James 1:5). He is listening, and He does care. :) No problem is too small to bring before Him.
—Heidi Joelle
Have you ever felt like you were on the outside, looking in? How do you deal with feelings of loneliness in your life? How do you remind yourself of your inherent value in God's life? What is another biblical principle that would work in this situation? Share your story HERE!
Heidi Joelle spends her days staring at paperwork and making sure it is where it is supposed to be, how it is supposed to be, when it is supposed to be. And then she comes home and makes sure the porky little dog isn't eating a trashcan. Between these two events, she tries to learn and see as much of the world around her as possible.
