There’s a lot of pressure to buy our way to happiness. If we’re feeling anxious, we think maybe a little retail therapy will give us the boost we need. But it rarely does. Likewise with drugs, riches, and accolades. A lot of the time, the more we chase, accumulate, and stuff these things inside ourselves, the more we actually hunger and ache.
“Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income” (Ecclesiastes 5:10)
Instead of freeing us from our worries, things can create whole new ones. If we want to be truly refreshed, God is the source to turn to. Spending time with Christ is the way to fuel up on all the things we most need: strength, happiness, peace, love, forgiveness and guidance. It can be hard to go against the grain of society, but this verse reminds me who are the real heroes in this world, and it helps to keep my aspirations in check.
“It is better to live humbly among the poor than to live it up among the rich and famous. (Proverbs 116:19 Message)
Money, glory, and drugs will never deliver freedom to the soul. But the light and presence of Christ bring a freedom that is both rare and powerful. May the hand of Christ guide you as you venture into this New Year and may peace reign in your hearts.
In Christ’s Love,
Pastor John