It’s no secret that there are many people who regularly feel lonely and isolated, disconnected from friends and even family. Even in Old Testament times, people felt afraid and vulnerable, and God reassured them of His presence and support. Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) tells us that He encouraged them: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” In Matthew 28:20 (NIV), Jesus Christ promised, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” God’s Word consistently points to His unwavering faithfulness and presence. He is with us, continually providing a sweet anchor that comforts, strengthens, and support us.
God is our foundation. He is unchanging, no matter what circumstances we face. Psalm 18:2 (NIV) assures: “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Because of His love and grace, none of us have to walk around feeling lonely and unloved. When we choose to allow ourselves to be anchored in God, we find an unshakeable refuge and comfort. He’s our constant, and if we will allow Him, He will fill our emptiness with His love and care.
Psalm 42:7 reminds us that deep calls to deep. Our Heavenly Father is after, and indeed deserves, more than a surface level relationship with us. When we invite God into our lives, we become His children, and He comes to dwell in us through His Holy Spirit. Although we come to Him just as we are, He doesn’t leave us that way. In Romans 12:1 (NIV), we are instructed to present our whole selves to Him: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
When we surrender fully to God, He begins the work of transformation. Through His grace, He reshapes and molds us, not according to the world’s standards, but into the masterpiece He designed us to be. Each step of surrender brings us closer to becoming the person God has always intended, as He refines and renews us through His love and power.
This transformation is not initiated by force, because our Heavenly Father is a God of love, and love never forces. He has lovingly implored us to offer ourselves to Him, and He’s generously given us the privilege and responsibility to imitate Him. Ephesians 5:1 (NLT) instructs us: “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.” This verse is simple but powerful. We are God’s children, and we are made in His image. He wants us to share in the inheritance of Christ and live a bountiful existence. The key to this level of living is live through His love—to act like Him, with compassion, kindness, and grace. Just as children often reflect the behavior of their parents, we are called to reflect the character of God in everything we do. It’s a daily choice to imitate His nature.
God’s love makes us whole. We were not created to live a fragmented existence, wandering with no sense of identity and foundation. 1 Corinthians 3:11 (NLT) tells us: “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.” He is the only true foundation for our lives. Everything we build—our faith, our relationships, and our purpose—must be grounded in Christ. He is the solid rock on which we stand, and no other foundation can provide the security and stability that he offers.
Philippians 2:5 (NLT) instructs, “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” The attitude of Christ was one of humility, selflessness, and obedience to the Will of the Father. He exemplified a heart of service and was always seeking to meet the needs of others, even when it required great sacrifice. Jesus showed tremendous compassion, kindness, and patience toward those around him, especially those that were broken, marginalized, and lost. He was humble, not using his divine power for personal gain, but for the good of others. Most of all, His attitude was one of surrender to God’s plan, even to the point of death on the cross, demonstrating perfect obedience and love.
In John 6:38 (NLT), Jesus said, “For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will.” This is our mandate as well. We were placed on this earth to do the Will of God, and His Will is that we imitate Him. Imitating God is not just a suggestion—it is the key to a good life. Jesus set the perfect example of how we are to live, showing us that true fulfillment comes through obedience to God’s Will. He’s given us a way to keep our minds and hearts light and free, not boggled down with the cares of this world. Living God’s way strengthens our faith, pleases Him, and opens the door to more blessings. To live a life that pleases God is to imitate Him in every aspect, making His Will the center of our existences and trusting that, in doing so, we unlock the abundant, fulfilling life He has promised. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.
“Imitating God, the Key to Living Abundantly”, written for Springfield Fellowship © 2025. All rights reserved. All praise and honor to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.