Finding Joy, Purpose and Significance.
"How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers" (Psalm 1:1-3).
God, being the one who made you, knows you. He knows how you can get the best out of this life and for eternity. He loves people so much He provides guidelines for living. His precepts, commandments, law, wisdom and advice, all clearly laid out in His Word the Bible, is designed to bless His people.
The secrets of true joy, delight, prosperity (not necessarily excess material stuff, which can actually be a burden), the paths to the best possible life in this fallen world, are to be found in this character developing, life changing and soul saving book.
God's Word is right, it is true, it is a lamp to your feet and a light to your path (Ps. 119:105). We all desire significance and purpose and meaning in our life. It will never be found choosing to ignore the manual for life provided by the Creator of life. It comes from following it.
We all often try to find meaning, to find our purpose, significance and identity in things which ultimately do the opposite of what they promise. They fail because they go against what the Author of life sets out.
What folly going against our Creator God. Yet we do it time and time again. We think we the created know better that the Creator! We then wonder why there is a mental health epidemic!
It is not easy. The wicked often look and sound good, and are very enticing. You will need God's help. Even inside the Church there are voices proclaiming the wrong counsel, counsel which elevates man over God, counsel which cannot help you in life or eternity. That is one reason why it is important for us to read the Bible for ourselves.
Whose counsel will you set the course of your life by? Whose voice will you listen to in life? That of the wicked, of scoffers, of people who are really only using you for their own gain? People who want you to join them in their wickedness, who really don't care if you fail in life.
Or will you listen to the voice of your Father God, who loves you and wants you to follow the paths set down for the best life possible in a fallen world, and then the very best to come in eternity. Who loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16).
There will always be something missing in your life until you find your significance in Christ. Seek more of God, seek to know Him more and discover this significance, purpose, meaning and joy. Stop right now and ask Him to help you to do this.
Photo and reflection by Craig Manners.
RSS Feed
