02/19/2021
We all go through life searching for something that will define who we are, and that lifts us above whatever station we find ourselves in. Some of us believe that “Thing” to be earthly, or a way of life concocted by men, and some believe it is a secret waiting to be discovered deep within themselves, but in fact there is only one source of truth and enlightenment, one place to turn for righteousness, one way of life that is holy and lifts us up, making us better, and giving us eternal goodness and peace... God... and we are led to Him by just one “Thing”... having faith in Jesus Christ.
“Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”
1 Peter 2:10 ESV
So what is it that you are looking for in your life? Are you looking for power, wealth, unchallenged respect, or domination over others? Maybe you are searching for something on a higher plane like love, goodness, holiness, perfection, and maybe eternal life? Do you even know what it is that will make your life better; that will make you happy or fill that emptiness in you? What is your “Thing”? Well let me give you somewhere to turn for that missing “Thing” in your life that haunts you, and without which you will ultimately be defeated ... Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
“For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.”
Colossians 2:9-10 ESV
When our day begins we watch the morning news, and somewhere in every city someone has been shot, raped, murdered, robbed, sold drugs, was killed by a drunk driver, or was prostituted. These atrocities occur in lost lives every single night, and all of the perpetrators were seeking the “Thing” in their life that was missing, and every victim was made to suffer at their hand... often while searching the darkness themselves. So every morning we are doomed to ask the same question, “How can such evil be overcome?” The answer is simple, yet for many of those who stalk the night it is hard to accept; until those desperately lost seekers come to realize that the answer to their emptiness is God, and Jesus Christ, this nightly travesty will continue to plague them, and make victims out of those around them.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.”
Psalm 103:2-6 ESV
Then, as our day winds down, we watch the evening news, and it is filled with stories written about men and women seeking to dominate, or govern others... yet they are lost, and have little joy in their lives. We see accounts of the world’s helpers who try to make things better but can’t do enough because they are only men and women. They are tormented by the injustice, misery, and suffering in the world but are never at peace within themselves because they can’t fix it alone. Oh, we see what appears to be a happy politician who just won an election, but the very next morning the political wolves have set in on them. And we see a glimmer of hope in a philanthropist who just helped a village by donating a well to them, but after the news story ends the reality sets in... there are thousands of villages without water to drink. So what is the answer to the perfect government, and what will succeed in easing the world’s pain? There is only one “Thing”, God. Listen to Jesus...
“But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.””
Matthew 19:26 ESV
So have we each determined what the “Thing” is in our life that will lift us up, and will heal us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually? , and have we determined our “Thing” to be God, and Jesus Christ? If we are lost, or empty inside, this is the cure, and seeking out a church or person of faith to help us understand how simple it is to change our life is the beginning of finding what we have been so desperately looking for.
“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for waiting patiently as we seek you out, and determine that you are the one “Thing” in our life that gives us a new, complete, and joyously peaceful life! Thank you for your Son Jesus Christ who you sent to redeem us from sin, and conquer the death that was our future. Wonderful is your mercy and grace that offers us this gift of life, and eternity, simply by our believing in you, and Jesus. Help us as we read your Word, and the gospel of Jesus, then lay aside our old life for a new and amazing one in you. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who loves us so much that you sent your Son Jesus to save us, and your Holy Spirit to teach us how to worship you in spirit snd truth. Mighty are you who can change a lost life, and give peace, joy, and love where there once was only hatred, ambition, and the vices of an ego gone awry. We praise you Father for the hope we have in you, and for every promise you keep. Hear our prayer Lord as we turn our faces up, and ask you to be the one “Thing” in our life that will complete a transformation in us, and lead to righteousness, as you fill our emptiness with love. Wash us clean Father with the blood of your perfect lamb Jesus, and through His sacrifice make us worthy of an eternity with you in glory.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Matthew 6:33 ESV
Rich Forbes