I spoke at a conference called Fueled by Faith the other week, and the whole thing was about being set apart. The key scripture was Matthew 6:33. Seek first the kingdom of heaven and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

I love that verse. But as I was meditating on it and putting my talk together, I realized something we don’t say out loud very often. Seeking God first can lead you to lonely places.

Say it with me. Lonely places.

I’m curious if you’re in one right now. Because here’s what I’ve noticed in my own story. It doesn’t matter if I’m on the mountaintop or down in the valley. Both places are set apart, and both carry a feeling of loneliness.

No one wants to feel lonely. No one wants to feel abandoned or like they’re doing this all by themselves. But God does call us into set apart places. Luke 5:16 tells us that Jesus withdrew to lonely places and prayed. And why? For intimacy. For deeper connection with the Father.

Think about the very top of a mountain. There isn’t a lot of room up there. And when God expands your influence and asks you to step out, which is exactly what my book Expansion Syndrome is about, it can feel lonely. We expect people to rally with us and come along. But often it means some shedding. I talked about this a couple weeks ago, how God often prunes us before He expands us. And that’s true.

The valley is lonely too. It’s the season where nothing’s going right and it feels like everyone else is getting their prayers answered. Sometimes the valley even feels familiar, like, I’ve been here before and no one understands what I’m going through.

Here’s what I want you to catch, because it can change how you walk through every season. Whether you’re on the mountaintop, carrying more weight and responsibility than you ever expected, or in the valley, walking through deep loss and grief, the promise is the same. God says, I am with you. Even when people leave. Even when no one understands. Even when your back is against the wall.

My son came to me the other day about a friend at school whose dad is about to leave for the military for fourteen months. He’s eight, and he said, “Mom, I don’t know what to say to him.” I told him, buddy, sometimes there isn’t much to say when someone is sad. The best thing we can do is sit with them. Put an arm around them. Sometimes say nothing at all. Just being there is enough, and it’s comforting.

That’s what God does with us. His presence is what makes all the difference.

I love the verse in Philippians about dwelling on whatever is pure, lovely, and praiseworthy. When God has set you apart, I want you to dwell on this. Thank you, God, that you’re with me in this place. Thank you that you hear my prayers. Thank you that you haven’t left me. It changes how you navigate the season. Even Moses said, don’t send me unless you go with me.

Being set apart takes some comfort with loneliness, and no one signs up for that. But when you know He’s with you at your kitchen sink, doing the dishes by yourself, there are deeper levels of intimacy and peace and joy waiting for you. And those can’t be taken away.

I want to share a little story I’ve told before. When I was in college, I had a paper to write and a test to study for. I hadn’t spent any time with God that day. I barely ate dinner. It was creeping toward 10 PM and I felt like the worst student and the worst Christian. So I told Him I was sorry, that I didn’t have time for Him, that I had to get this paper done.

And I remember so clearly what I felt Him say. I’ll stay up late with you. I’ll do your homework with you. I’ll sit with you.

It changed everything for me. I don’t have to compartmentalize my relationship with the Lord, because in every moment of every day, no matter what I’m doing, I can invite Him into it.

And that’s true for your business too. Whatever He’s called you to build, your brand, your mission, your organization, you can trust that He’s with you in it.

Maybe you’re facing a big decision right now. For me, that has always brought so much anxiety. Do I go through door A or door B? Here’s what I hold onto. If my heart is set on seeking Him first, and I’m walking in righteousness, not holding grudges, not bitter toward anyone, then I can say, Lord, if this turns out to be the biggest mistake in the world, would you clean up my mess? Many are the plans in our hearts, but the Lord determines our steps. Whichever door you walk through, He’s with you.

So you can find peace in the chaos. Joy in the storm. Peace on the mountaintop. Joy in the responsibility. You are set apart for His purposes, and He has every step and every detail.

Where are you feeling set apart right now? And what would change if you really believed you weren’t alone in it?

Listen to the full episode 188 here