Our basic need as humans is to be known, seen and loved. God built this into our DNA. This is why He created us for relationship with Him, ourselves, and others. I am sure this makes sense on some level, or you think, “Yes, I want that.”

What if instead of searching for fulfillment in things and coming up empty-handed, we return to the relationship that matters most–our relationship with God and ourselves? We often find that obstacles get in the way of this, which is a difficult place to be. And let me tell you, I have been there in the trenches asking, “Who are my people, community, or my ride or die?”

But when I really stop and think about why this is not happening, it is because I am scared. I am terrified to be known. I am afraid of being found out. You may be sitting there as you read this thinking, “That’s me.” In this moment, I want you to know you are seen, known, and loved in that place. It may not feel like it right now because of the stories we tell ourselves or the trauma our bodies hold from past pain. Your pain matters to God and to those that are seeking deep connection too. Oftentimes we can be our own obstacles to something because of the wounds or pain we have endured.

These may not affect your connection and community now, but they will. Take this as a tip from someone who has been in difficult places where even from my conception, I was not “wanted.” This was woven into my story even before I had a choice for it to be. But God did not leave me there. Even if it took 30 years, God said, “We are going to fully reconcile ourselves to healing of both connection and community.”

I hope you hear that God wants true connection and community for you too. That is why you were created. In this, He is ushering each one of us back to our hearts to understand our needs, which are basic human desires.

What are your desires, friend? What pain is keeping you from being able to step out in love to find community? Have you been searching for connection in people or things without first restoring your relationship with Jesus, your first love?

It is never too late to return to your first love. In Him is joy, peace, healing, and restoration. It can be so easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and forget our desire for connection to the one who is the creator of our soul. Our hearts are wanting more, needing more, and we will continue to search until we allow ourselves to sit in the quiet space, which may be hard.

In this quiet space, we pray, “God, heal my mind, body, and soul so that I can have true community and connection first and foremost with You, and then with others around me who are looking for true authentic relationships.”