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Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1
If you can place your faith in the truth that Jesus came to die for all your sin and open up your heart to receive Him as your Saviour you will be connected to your Father in Heaven. He is the one who speaks to you through the silence. He speaks to your soul. He guides you and teaches you. He is all you need to be free. He is your security, your firm foundation. Your Peace.
Are you filling your life with worldly things? Wishing for what you don’t have? Wanting the material things others have? At the end of the day those accumulated things really don’t make you happy. So many of us believe they will and for a little while, when they are new and shiny, they do, but once the newness wears off, the vacation ends, our bank account has dwindled or the job totally takes up all our time. We start looking for something else to make us happy, bring us joy or help us feel fulfilled or filled up. It’s a vicious cycle of seeking the wrong thing, thinking we’ve found it and repeat. It’s exhausting, frustrating and leaves us still empty on the inside.
Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 1 Timothy 6:9
A relationship with God isn’t like that. A relationship with Him brings joy, satisfaction and fulfillment. Look to God, look to the Bible, find yourself in Him and His Book, fill up on His abundance, get fat on that fresh manna, treat yourself to a scripture every day, it’s cheaper than a specialized coffee or smoothie, or whatever else your vice may be!!! The payoff is so much greater, more fulfilling, more energizing. Stuffing yourself with the Word is better than anything. A N Y T H I N G. Better than a new pair of shoes, a new car, a new house, or a vacation in a luxury resort on a tropical Island. Nothing beats the word of God, the promises of God, the life lessons of God. Why? Because it’s ETERNAL, lasts F O R E V E R, all the things we covet are TEMPORAL. T E M P O R A R Y, they only last for a WEE BIT!
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3
Having a relationship with God satisfies in ways I find difficult to explain. It fills a void in me. It gives me peace even when life isn’t peaceful. It gives me answers to questions and a path to follow. Purpose, if I could explain a relationship with one word it would be purpose. My raison d’être
rai·son d'ê·tre [ˌrāzôn ˈdetrə]
NOUN
the most important reason or purpose for someone or something's existence:
synonyms:
responsibility · duty · concern · province · aim · activity · assignment · obligation · charge · task · chore · job · role · errand · mission · detail · undertaking · commission · capacity · post · situation · office · occupation · employment · business · operation
My personal experience has been a slow conversion to not wanting all the worldly things. A really, really slow conversion. I think it’s due in part to my stubbornness, my I can do it myself attitude, along with an unwillingness to believe things or the money to buy them can’t make me happy.
This way of thinking comes from a perspective of lack, going through a divorce and raising three wonderful daughters was a struggle. Before the divorce they were able to participate in their chosen sport, take ballet classes, we would go on vacations and weekend adventures. All that stopped once my ex left taking his paycheck with him! it wasn’t fair for them to be pulled out of the things they enjoyed, and out of my guilt began the mantra of if only I had money I could……for years it was on a continuous loop in my head. I worked full time and sometimes received child support, it was a struggle to pay my bills. I had yet to give my life to Christ or attend Church. I was so busy worrying about how to make ends meet I didn’t have time for God! He wasn’t even on my radar. So I continued to struggle and live in lack with an ‘if only’ attitude about money.
When I look back to those days, I realize God was providing for us in amazing ways and through others. As big as my struggle felt I always paid my rent on time, never had a utility turned off, had food on the table and the girls had shoes and clothes that fit them, and were nice. That was the blessing of working at Target and shopping their clearance! We were never evicted, never went hungry or naked. All because of God and the family and friends he sent to help us.
Now that I am a Christian, I can see what I need most is free and it comes from God, not man or money. The Bible shows me a different way to live. It shows me there is hope in community, if only we can humble ourselves to ask and receive it.
I can see where people sold their belongings and homes to live in community together.
And they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing the proceeds with all [the other believers], as anyone had need. Acts 2:45
I can see where God promises to take care of our every need.
“Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, ‘That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds!’” Luke 12:22-24
I do know that He is provider of all things. Including physical and spiritual needs. He helps with a lack mentality, guides us in green pastures and peaceful waters as well as protecting us in the desert. Trust Him. He will fight for you.
“Don't be afraid of them, for the Lord your God will fight for you.’” Deuteronomy 3:22 GNT
The good news is this: we serve an incomparable God, a God who never gives up on us or fails us. A God who will do anything to help us reach our (God given) potential and purpose. A God in whom you can put your trust, confidence and hope. A God who, through his Word and diligent seeking will fill the voids of this life. A God who cares for us and provides for our needs.
A plan in the heart of a person is like deep water, But a person of understanding draws it out. Proverbs 20:5
I will continue to seek his word, his truth, his wisdom for as long as I live. While there’s still breath in these lungs, I will earnestly seek to understand Him and His ways more, to find and fulfill my raison d'être and continue building a solid foundation in a relationship with Him. My prayer is for God’s word to permeate our entire being, changing and transforming us to the point where our desires and our old self have fallen away so we become more and more like Jesus.
God measures success differently to how the world measures it. I like His way much, much better. It isn’t about finances, and material things. It is about obedience, love and growing in faith.
My child, if you truly want a long and satisfying life, never forget the things that I’ve taught you. Follow closely every truth that I’ve given you. Then you will have a full, rewarding life. Hold on to loyal love and don’t let go and be faithful to all that you’ve been taught. Let your life be shaped by integrity, with truth written upon your heart. That’s how you will find favor and understanding with both God and men— you will gain the reputation of living life well. Proverbs 3:1-4 TPT