Live a Greater Life
Find Lasting Peace in an Unpeaceful World
Do you ever feel like you're chasing after something, but you're not quite sure what it is? You're not alone! Even the wisest man who ever lived, King Solomon, struggled with this same feeling of emptiness. In the book of Ecclesiastes, he writes about how he tried everything under the sun to find happiness and meaning in life, but it was all "meaningless, like chasing the wind" (Ecclesiastes 2:11).
It's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of pleasure, isn't it? We live in a world that's constantly telling us we need more - more money, more stuff, more status, more fun. Just look at the commercials on TV! They promise us that if we just buy this car or take that vacation or drink this beer, we'll finally be happy. But the truth is, those temporary pleasures will never satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts.
Even celebrities who seem to have it all struggle with this same emptiness. Actor Shia LaBeouf once said in an interview,
"I know I'm one of the luckiest dudes in America right now. But it could all change, man. It could go away. You never know. I have a great house. My parents don't have to work. I've got money. I'm famous. But it could all change, man. It could go away. You never know. He continues, I don't handle fame well. Most actors on most days don't think they're worthy. I have no idea where this insecurity comes from, but it's a God sized hole. If I knew, I'd fill it and I'd be on my way.”
The truth is, we all have a God-sized, God-shaped hole in our lives that only He can fill. We were created to be in a relationship with Him, and until we find our peace and purpose in Him, we'll always be searching for something more.
King Solomon learned this the hard way. He had everything the world had to offer - wealth, wisdom, women, you name it! But at the end of his life, he realized that it was all meaningless without God. In Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, he writes, "Here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil."
So how do we find this lasting peace and purpose that we're all searching for? It starts with recognizing that because of our sin, we're separated from God. But the good news is that Jesus, God's Son, died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sin. When we repent (which means to change our mind and turn away from our sin) and believe in Jesus as our Savior, we're given the right to be adopted into God's family (Philippians 4:6-7).
And when we're adopted into God's family, He becomes our constant. He never changes, and His love for us never fails. That's where we find the peace that passes all understanding - not in temporary pleasures, but in a permanent relationship with our Heavenly Father.
But it's not always easy to live at peace with God. We still struggle with obedience and following His commands. That's why it's so important to surround ourselves with other believers who can encourage us and hold us accountable. Being part of a church community is a great way to grow in your faith and find support on your journey.
If you're in the Community ISD area, I want to personally invite you to connect with us at Bear Creek Community Church. We'd love to welcome you into our family and help you discover the abundant life that Jesus promises us in John 10:10. You don't have to face this life alone - we're here to walk alongside you and point you towards the One who can fill that void in your heart.
No matter where you are in your journey, know that God loves you and has a plan for your life. You were created for so much more than chasing temporary pleasures - you were created to live a greater life in relationship with Him. So let's stop trying to fill that emptiness with things that will never satisfy, and instead, let's run to the One who can give us lasting peace and joy. As Jesus says in Matthew 11:28,
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." - Jesus
