We don’t need statistics to know that millions of people live aimlessly without fulfillment, purpose or meaning. But there is an answer—simple and doable.
My brother and my sister-in-law, Lois, visited a few weeks ago. As usual, Lois and I did a little shopping. And it’s always, always a super-fun adventure.
Why? Well, there’s a unique thing about us: Lois is deaf. And, as you may know, I’m blind (yup, totally).
I held her arm as we walked through aisle after aisle in Hobby Lobby, looking for a specific item.
“There’s a store clerk,” Lois said.
Whew! Finally, the help we need, I thought.
“It’s over there where that lady is turning,” the clerk said.
Well, those instructions didn’t help. I couldn’t see where she was pointing. And Lois couldn’t read her lips, as the store clerk wasn’t facing her.
What disappointment!
We couldn’t blame the clerk. She had no clue she was addressing two women, one deaf and the other blind.
Our mistake was to count on someone who didn’t know our needs or limitations.
We all do that in life, right? Mistakenly, we count on someone to give us the answer, provide the solution, point us in the right direction or fill our needs. But because they don’t know us, they simply cannot.
Here is a test. Have you made any of the mistakes below?
- You seek a job, expecting it will provide financial security.
- You look to your spouse, hoping they will bring joy.
- You look to the success of your children, expecting you’ll find gratification.
- You look for relationships, hoping to fill the emptiness.
- You seek health, hoping you’ll live longer.
- You take a risk, hoping you’ll find success.
- You seek the perfect position, expecting to find satisfaction.
- You write the next book, hoping to change lives.
- You find good works to do, expecting to please God.
- You save and save, hoping that will make tomorrow secure.
If you made even one of these mistakes, disappointment is about to knock at your door.
That’s because none of the situations above are constant; they’re not reliable, consistent or dependable. They’re not as trustworthy as God’s Word and promises.
They can’t provide what only God can. They don’t fill the void only God promise to fill. They don’t bring the fulfillment or meaning found only in Him.
Are you ready for the good news?
Although things in this world are pitifully imperfect, “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him. For who is God except the Lord? And who is a rock except our God?” (2 Sam. 22:31-32).
If God is our refuge, why worry about our protection? If He’s our rock, why think we’re weak? If His Word is flawless, why look for meaning anywhere else? If He’s our shield, why fear? And if He’s perfect, why doubt His fulfillment for our soul is perfectly designed?
Father, I confess that my wounds, disappointments and grief are a result of placing my trust in other things, people or circumstances. Transform my mind and heart with the truth that You and You alone can fill me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
How can you correct the mistakes you made in seeking complete fulfillment?
Janet Perez Eckles is an international speaker and author of four books. She helps thousands conquer fear and bring back joy.
This article originally appeared at janetperezeckles.com.
