Have you ever been let down by a faulty product? It seems like today’s products stop working right after the warranty expires. Frustrating right?
How about people? Has someone close to you ever hurt you, ruined your weekend or stolen your state of happiness? Unfortunately, every human being has flaws, and when those flaws rear their ugly head, we get hurt and let down. When we’re let down, it’s very easy for our connections to become compromised.
We shouldn’t be surprised though. People and things cannot bring us true joy because everyone and everything is flawed. When we count on flawed people or flawed things to bring us joy, there’s always a letdown. Sure, we can have strong emotions and connections to people and things, but true joy can only be present in our lives when we’re counting on Jesus Christ.
Many years ago, a San Francisco newspaper reported on a young man who found a $5 bill on the street. The young man resolved–from that time on, he would never lift his eyes while walking the streets.
The paper went on to say that over the years the young man accumulated, 29,516 buttons, 54,172 pins, 12 cents, a bent back, and a miserable disposition.
We’re so easily distracted aren’t we. We spend so much time searching for rust when Jesus is offering us gold.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with wanting treasure. Jesus told us to store up treasure where moth, and rust, cannot destroy and thieves cannot steal.
But what kind of treasure can this world can offer us? Money, pleasure, fame. An illusion of control. In light of eternity…what are all of those things? They’re buttons, pins and pennies.
Ultimately what will those things bring us? A bent back and a miserable disposition.
Imperfect things might bring us temporary excitement, and loved ones can bring some love and happiness into our lives, but they can’t bring soul satisfying joy–they are not supposed to. Why? There’s a GOD shaped hole in our hearts and only He can fill it–another person or things will never fill this void no matter how wonderful they are.
Today, you can have joy because you know Jesus wants to spend forever with you. He proved it by dying on the cross for you. You can have joy because Jesus never fails. You can have joy because of what awaits you in Eternity. You have the choice to believe the word of God, or you can believe in something else that will let you down. The Apostle Peter says it plainly.
“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:8-9 NIV
Let GOD’s word encourage you today. Take your eyes off of imperfect people. Take your eyes off of the rust and the flaws of things. Lift your eyes up and focus on the one who is preparing a glorious future for you.
Reflections
A joyful person doesn’t focus on what’s “missing” in their lives. List ten ways GOD has blessed you.