"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12 (NIV)
Growing up I had a plan for how I could make my life good.
Get a good education. A good job. A good
husband. A few good kids. A good house. A good flowerbed out front. And
a good mini-van parked in the driveway.
Then life would be... good.
Eventually, I had all that good stuff. I was
thankful for it all. I loved my family to pieces. The mini-van wasn't
all I thought it would be, but I felt like an official mom driving it.
So even that wound up being good.
But something inside me still felt hollow. A little off. A little lacking.
So, I reasoned I needed something else to do.
Something where I could use my gifts and talents. And while these
things were fun and satisfying on one level, they too fell short when it
came to that deep place ringing with the echoes of empty.
Empty is a heavy load to bear. The mystery of
wanting to be filled but not knowing how or what could fill the deep
soul is a gnawing ache. A search that can seem both futile and
shattering at times.
When you try and try, always feeling like the
answer is just around the corner, and then it isn't, it can split your
heart wide open and leak dry all your reserves.
It can make you feel unsatisfied and frustrated with everything. Even those you love. Maybe especially those you love.
So you fake a smile and keep putting one foot
in front of the other. But eventually you stop peeking around the next
corner hoping the answer is there. History tells you it isn't. And
wrapped in that perception is the noose that strangles out all hope.
Sadly, this is where many women live.
I know this place because I lived there. I struggled there.
And I guess I'm just wondering if you or
someone you love might be there as we begin another year. A New Year.
It's tough when everything around you screams "Happy New Year!" and you
feel anything but.
It quite honestly stinks.
So, I'm not going to pretend you'll suddenly feel super happy after reading this.
But what I can promise is a string of words
that explains a lot. An answer that is sure and solid and true and full
of the breathless wonder of a hope rediscovered.
"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved," (Acts 4:13).
Salvation can't be found in a person.
Even a good husband - good children - a good friend makes a very poor God.
Salvation can't be found in anyone or anything else.
No education or job or house can save you.
There is no other.
Only Jesus.
And I'm not just talking about saying we're a
Christian. Just following the rules and really following Jesus are two
totally different things.
Going through the motions of religion won't
ever satisfy. It's only when we bend down low, open our heart in
complete surrender, and say, "Jesus, it's You. Only You. There is no
other. There is no other possession or person or position that can ever
fill the deep soul place shaped only for You."
This is my New Year's prayer this year.
Though I've been saved for a long time, I want to recapture the essence
of this "no other" reality.
And really live like this is true.
Because it is. True.
Dear
Lord, forgive me for trying to fill the empty places of my soul with
people, possessions and positions. I want to know what it means to have
You, Lord, as the satisfier of the deep places meant only for You. Show
me. Teach me. Lead me. And I will follow. In Jesus' Name, Amen.(Lysa TerKeurst)
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