"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10 (NIV)
"What am I doing?" she ponders to herself. "Here I am in a nice restaurant with my friends. But I'm just marking time, trying to get through the evening, hoping someone interesting will walk in. Then I'll go home and tomorrow will be just like today. My life feels meaningless and empty."
Each day brings more activities to cram into an already tight schedule. Maybe it's a big event like a wedding or graduation. Sometimes it's a garden-variety pastime. We watch movies, cheer for our team, go to dinner, and climb mountains. Our time is consumed by event after event. But perhaps our souls are being consumed instead.
When the day is over, what do we have? Sometimes a string of activities just leaves us empty and sad. We're haunted by the feeling that we're frittering away our time. When we reach the end of life, will it all have been for nothing?
No one can rescue us from the void – except Jesus. Every human is conceived in the image of God. The greatest desire of the soul is union with Christ. No matter what new and interesting person or activity enters our life, the void remains until we fill it with him.
Now living for God may be the ultimate, but we need human relationships too. Jesus was intentional about forming a community of authentic and intimate relationships. Rather than filling our calendars with endless activities, why not follow his example?
Are you using an event-filled life as an emptiness cover-up? Try this:
·Analyze your calendar. Are you serving God's purpose or just filling up time?
·Be selective. Build intentional relationships based on care and spiritual growth.
·Fill the void. Enjoy God in silence and solitude.
Maybe it's time to stop dead in your tracks. Or at least turn a corner and leave the frantic event-driven world behind. How about a fresh start and a new beginning? Just pencil yourself into God's cosmic day-timer and watch the void disappear.
Living for God (TM) offers resources on Christian living. Check them out at www.livingforgod.net or call (719) 578-8837.
