A Restless World
This
world is a restless place. We see people dashing about trying to find
meaning in activity. Many dedicate themselves to gather riches. Others
want all the pleasure of the sensual life. Still others want more
leisure and arrange to work less and play more. Yet their spirits are
not satisfied. Gadgets, pleasures, and possessions eventually
lose their attractiveness. Every new diversion fills in for a time but
quickly loses its appeal. Something seems to be missing. We all have our
share of disappointments. Physical defects limit our activities. Family
members need constant care. We feel trapped in a job or vocation
because we lack expertise to take up other work. We spend money and go
into debt hoping the next purchase will make life more tolerable. Our
marriage has not proved to be what we had hoped. In vain we look for
fulfillment and purpose. Is that all there is to life? Should there not
be something meaningful to give us satisfaction, something more
permanent? Surely, there is a solution.
What Is Life?
Life
is a precious span of time allotted by the Creator. The Bible says it
is like a shadow (1 Chronicles 29:15); as short-lived as grass and its
flower (1 Peter 1:24); as fleeting as a vapor (James 4:14). While we are
young we see life extending for years. As we get older, time seems to
speed up. We can't accomplish what we had hoped for earlier. We are
disappointed by a variety of hindrances that cramp our lifestyle.
What Is The Problem?
What contributes to the discontent of our spirits?
Life
is an opportunity but also a responsibility. We are unhappy whenever we
violate the good we know we should do. Sin against our fellow man
brings about uneasiness and guilt. Sin against ourselves has its
destructive effects on our peace of mind. We feel responsible for our
deeds. Most people have a sort of intuition that life figures into a
larger picture than the few short years here on earth. For many this
means they need to recognize a higher spiritual power, a higher purpose
at work in the universe. They may not always know who or what that is.
Often people are dissatisfied with life because they fail to see it from
God's perspective. They are ignorant of God's will and purpose for man,
sometimes willingly so. Many fail to envision the eternal bliss of the
faithful and would rather ignore the final reaping of the wicked and
godless (Romans 6:23).
The Abundant Life Is Available
Jesus
says in John 16:24, "Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask,
and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full." The joy that Jesus
gives is not easily removed from a Christian's heart. At times we are
heavy hearted because of temptations. The joy that is a fruit of the
Holy Spirit's presence within runs deeper than those weights. It may not
be that bubbling, light feeling all the time but simply a calm trust in
the Lord that allows us to stand unwavering in trial and unconquered by
the storm. Some may tell you that the Christian way is too restrictive
to be enjoyed. They might think ty,hat in order to be happy you must be
able to do as you please. Just try the Lord! You will find it is a
pleasure to serve the One who died for you. It will become clear to you
that the person who serves himself is really the one in bondage and the
servant of Christ is the free man. True fulfillment is not found in
following trends and fashions or patterning our lives to impress others.
That kind of living becomes a compelling force and leads to bondage.
When we are humble we are free. Free to be ourselves. Free to rest our
minds from thoughts of what others are thinking of us.
JESUS OFFERS LIFE WORTH LIVING
In
Matthew 11:28 we read, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy
laden, and I will give you rest." Here the Son of God, Jesus Christ,
offers rest to all who have burdens to bear, whose life-load seems more
than they carry, whose life is unfulfilled, whose life lacks purpose.
Come to the Lord and give Him your sin, your load of dissatisfaction,
your unfulfilled emptiness, your frustration. Admit your inability to
handle life's problems. Turn from what you know to be wrong in your
life. Give your life over to Jesus. Trust Him to take you by the hand
and lead you. Once you realize you need help in your life, you can come
to Jesus and receive that help. As long as you feel independent and
self-sufficient, He can do nothing for you. When you yield yourself to
His care, there is hope for you. Jesus Christ can fill the deepest
longing of your soul. Yield your life and will to Him. As you ask Him to
fill you with His abundance, life in all its fullness will be yours.
