By: Katie Messer
What do you think of when you hear Cartier? Bentley? Personal staff? Private yachts? Multi-million dollar estates? What about, filling the pages of your passport? Dating the “hot” guy? Being the center of the social universe? Getting the job? And still, what do you think of in regards to being a good person? How about nipping, cutting, numbing or altogether altering yourself? If you answered “happiness,” “contentment,” or “the life” to any of these, may you be encouraged by the Word of God this very day.
Although there is a myriad of ways to “better” ourselves or “make it” in the eyes of the world, if we are looking for fulfillment to embrace us behind any one of these—we will be sadly disillusioned—each and every time. Why would this be?
Our society trains us to chase “big dreams” as are defined by the world. But, what does one do when such dreams are conquered? When the Cartier is now a few fashion seasons old; the evening is finally over and it’s time to go home, the passport book has indeed been filled; or the medication begins to wear off? Then what?
We have been trained to want things and passionately pursue them, yet continually come up frustrated when the sensation of pleasure fades away at the end of each conquest. At that time, many return for another hit. And if the same level of ecstasy cannot be reached as before, we supplement the pleasure in another pursuit.
This vicious cycle of yearning for more is nothing new. In fact, King Solomon in all his splendor wrote many wise sayings regarding the human condition within the Holy Bible.
“What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; there is nothing new under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 1:9 (HCSB)
When we realize that our pursuits apart from God were never meant to bring us lasting happiness, we need to return to the Lord with apologetic hearts. When we acknowledge our love for things of this world over the things of the Lord, and sincerely repent of this idol worship, God is then able to redirect our gaze and do something truly new and exciting within our spirits.
Listen to these encouraging words offered to those who place their hope in Jesus Christ…
“Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19 (HCSB)
How faithful is the Lord to take us back each and every time—in order to fill us with our deepest desires—love that won’t go away and peace that will last beyond the storm. Praise God for His mercy and grace within each of our stories!
You see, whether you “live big” as defined by the world—as was the case for King Solomon (1 Kings 10:14-22) and Queen Esther (Esther 1-2), or modestly as was the case for John the Baptist (Matthew 3:3-4) or the women with only a tiny offering to bring to the temple (Mark 12:41-44)—God can use each of our stories for His glory—right where we are! It is up to each of us to separate our eyes from the world’s idea of “success” and come to grips with the reality that contentment is found in Jesus Christ alone.
The Bible teaches that each and every life is valued to God (John 3:16-18). Thus, whether the world would define one as rich or poor, popular or an outcast, the eternal status of each soul is the same. We all are in need of Jesus Christ’s redemptive work (Romans 3:23-26).
Regardless of where we are on this spinning rock today, may we fall to our knees and ask the Lord to use our lives to bring Him glory. May we thank Him anew for placing us in this time in history and ask to be used to speak of His mercy (Isaiah 6:1-8). May we breath deep and embrace a fresh dose of peace that does not come from the world, but from our Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:27). May we use the gifts, talents and resources allotted to each of us to share of God’s hope, redemption, and unabashed love story for each heart from each culture around the world!
Photo Cred: Rachael Crowe
What is love? Is it s’mores on the beach at sunset? Is it a mountain vista overlooking acres of evergreens after a hike? Is it scuba diving through a shipwreck? Kayaking as the summer rays kiss your face? Climbing sand dunes? Skydiving? Author and blogger, Katie Messer, would answer that any interaction with God’s creation points to the infinite love of God. Yet, the place in which she sees God’s love most fully manifested is in the ultimate act of unabashed love by her Lord, Jesus Christ. She thanks God for her God fearing husband and their two children who share in these international adventures. “Mirrors to Window: Change your view to see God’s true romance” is a book of Katie’s own honest testimony of God’s radical rescue and redemption within her own life. “Blooming Beauty” is Katie’s official blog site. Check it out for encouragement in how to see and thank God through all circumstances of life. Why? Because you are worth it to an infinitely loving God.
