The world will reject you. How do I know this? The world rejected Jesus. But you can be delivered from this feeling. How? Because Jesus died for your rejection. Jesus died for you. Jesus accepts you. God accepts you. Despite what you experience in this world, you are loved by our Savior and he understands what you are going through.

People Wanted Jesus Dead (Matthew 12:14)

Although there were many people who loved and admired Jesus, it’s no surprise the Pharisees did not like or trust Jesus. They wanted Jesus dead. They didn’t believe he was the Messiah that was prophesied.

So when we experience times when people don’t like us or experience being bullied–whether in person or online, remember Jesus experienced the same thing. He experienced haters and people badmouthing him.

Jesus’ Disciples Were Not There For Him (Matthew 26:36-46)

The night that Jesus would be captured, Jesus decided to go up to the Garden of Gethsemane and pray. Jesus brought along Peter, James, and John to pray and keep watch with him. Jesus tells them in Mark 14:34 (NIV), “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death….” At this time, Jesus was experiencing agony over the fact that it was time for him to be captured and crucified. Although He wanted God’s will to be done, He still wanted to live. He wanted his disciples–who he saw as his brothers–to pray together while he prayed separately from them. But each time he tried to get them to pray, they would fall asleep. The disciples were not there for God in one of his most sadden times. Haven’t we felt like that sometimes when it comes to our loved ones not being there for us?

When your friends and family disappoint you by not meeting your expectations, God understands. In one of Jesus’ loneliest times, his disciples weren’t there for him.

Jesus Was At His Lowest (Matthew 27:46)

When Jesus was hanged on the cross, right before his last breath He called out to God in despair in a loud voice, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

This was God’s lowest point. He was suffering for our sins. He was treated like a sinner when he never sinned before. And at this point, even Jesus felt like God had forgotten about him.

When we feel like God isn’t listening to us or has abandoned us because we keep experiencing trial after trial, pain after pain, remember: Jesus understands. He felt the same way right before he died on the cross.

What makes us think we shouldn’t experience the same mishaps as Jesus? Our tribulations are there to help us grow stronger in faith and encourage others along the way so they may look to Jesus. Instead of craving for people’s approval and the next time you’re feeling lonely like no one likes you or no one is there to support you, remember Jesus. He understands how you feel, but he looked up to God for his strength. And you can too.

Tip: Memorize a verse that encourages you when you’re tempted to worry or be consumed by loneliness or depression.

Word of Encouragement:

This is my command–be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9

“I am leaving you with a gift–peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a fit the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” – John 14:27

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” – Matthew 6:33