The LOS Syndrome

The LOS Syndrome

I sometimes go to FB or Instagram in the morning before I have time in the Word.

Not a good place to hear from God.

God told me recently to take this month and hibernate with Him.  Holy Spirit hit me at that deep place and said….”Get lost in being tucked away to simply hear My voice and snuggle close to My heart beat.”

Obviously this does not include my phone in this intimate space.

But it did make me think how easy it is to go on Instagram or Facebook and how you can get the….LOS…The Left Out Syndrome!

The left out syndrome I believe is a one root of an orphan spirit that can steal away your true identity. 

I flashed back to the late 80’s when I was playing pro golf on the California tour in the Fall. (Where my identity was so wrapped around my score. That’s another story for another post)

I remember seeing a group of ladies sitting in a circle drinking beer and laughing after their round was over.

And I heard Holy Spirit ever so loud say…” Tee, you do not belong in that circle.”

Many of the girls had serious struggles with their identity slipping over into homosexuality while other simply got their identity from being with this crowd.

My mind drifted to my high school days. Even when I WAS part of the “in-circle”, I often connected back to the “nerd section” where I first met friends before my sport’s prowess catapulted me into the popular crowd. This group was so real and our friendship was on a deeper level. We talked about our insecurities (too fat or too skinny) and about real life issues. 

I had these thoughts in college too as most of my fellow golfer friends were into drinking or just absorbed with themselves. (I made great friends so no disrespect)

But all in all, God’s love can leave a mark on your heart where you know you belong to Him. This in itself protects you from finding yourself in the wrong crowd.

When I felt left out recently, the song by Lauren Daigle rang out with truth:

“In you I find my worth, in you I find my identity….When I don’t belong, you say I am yours….”

But you do have to deal with your feelings of being on the “outside” of groups and clique’s to grow in the true identity as chosen by Him.

The definition of cliques says it all: “a small group of people, with shared interests or other features in common, who spend time together and do not readily allow others to join them.”

I still have left over soul wounds (that are healing) which still make me scramble to think I need to be a part of a small group of people who share, let’s say, a real love for God.

And I’m okay with that as I continue to allow God to heal this part of me. (We moved around a lot as a family  and I always had troubles with the sorrow of missing good friends that I finally made.)

Instead of saying “left out syndrome” I think it needs to be phrased the “Lover Of the Son” syndrome.

Jesus loves us too much for us to be known by our circles of friends. He is teaching us that a loving meal at the FATHER’S table can never match any other. He slips back a chair and invites us to dine on the fine wine of grace and intimacy where there are no empty holes in our heart longing for something the world cannot provide. 

“The steps of the God-pursuing one follow firmly in the footsteps of the Lord,and God delights in every step they take to follow Him.” Psalm 37:29 tpt

“There’s a private place reserved for the lovers of God, where they sit near Him and receive the revelation-secrets of His promises.”
Psalm 25:14 tpt

May my heart always be found in the Lover of the Son group. For fellowship is needed for our hearts and we often do FIND Him in the steps of those who follow close to Him.

(Song of Songs 1:8 (tpt)

Listen, my radiant one—
if you ever lose sight of me,
just follow in my footsteps where I lead my lovers.
Come with your burdens and cares.
Come to the place near the sanctuary of my shepherds.

But ultimately, I can only bring my best to a group of fellowship when my identity is grounded in the love of my Father. 

In Him I find the intimacy that leaves no holes in my heart and secures a chair at His table where I get to sit next to Him, leaning my head on His shoulder and receiving all that my heart desires. 

 I will say this. We at the Croft Cottage love our friends deeply. Most of them live far from us but they are ever close in our hearts. Within good boundaries, we say our door is always open for coffee and a good conversation about the Kingdom of God. 

I pray you find yourself LOSt in His embrace. Hibernate with Him. You will never be lonely there.

PS Identity in Him has been my pursuit the last three years. Join me on this pursuit. The 40% Christmas Special is still open for the Identity To Destiny Project. Learn more by clicking here.