Idles January 6

Friday January 6 2012

Isaiah 30:22.  “Then you will destroy all your silver idols and gold images.  You will throw them out like filthy rags, “ugh!” you will say to them, “Be gone!”

 What are your silver idols or your gold images? money? cars? house? clothes?  What are the status symbols in your life that may have become more important than your relationship with Jesus Christ? Are you willing to release everything that brings  recognition or status in this life and only concern yourself with your relationship with the Lord?

We are a greedy society in North America, the land of plenty.  Not many of  us really know what  it is like to be hungry, not knowing where our next meal is coming from.  We are a “spoiled” society and find difficulty in allowing the Lord to test our faith. Because, our society is accustomed to plentiful supplies and bountiful provisions, many are constantly searching for new thrills and excitement to satiate the void that is evident without Christ. It is only through Jesus Christ that the peace that passes all understanding, joy unspeakable and unconditional love, grace and acceptance can be found. These are the qualities that fill that void so many are searching for. Most of us do have a plethora of conveniences and physical comforts but, despite all this, there is still a void that cannot be filled by anything  except a relationship with Jesus Christ.

A short time ago I was asked to accompany a group of high school students on a visit to Mexico. While we were there, we visited the Oaxacan Indians who are a poverty stricken people.  We also became acquainted with other Mexican people who are very poor, and yet the thing that was most evident was the difference in their demeanor.  The ones who knew the Lord had a joyful disposition and the ones who did not know Jesus had a hopelessness about them that really spoke to my heart and yet the social and financial status was the same in both cases.  This visual difference spoke a thousand words to our young people and confirmed their faith in the Lord.

Today, my friend, I encourage you to look to the Lord and embrace the life that brings real fulfillment and fills the void in our materialistic world. Cling to the life that brings total satisfaction in your innermost being.  Material things bring instant happiness but are short lived and soon the enjoyment wears thin whereas the abundant life with Jesus brings a deep peace, joy unspeakable and unconditional love that never fails or comes to an end.

Prayer for today: Precious Lord, I am thankful that you are a God that provides joy even in hopeless situations.  Forgive me for “clinging” to material things and associating them with happiness for I know they only bring temporary happiness but You, Oh Lord, are always with me and provide the deep peace that brings true everlasting joy.  Even when sad times are upon me, you promise to walk with me through the valleys and take me to the other side where the promise awaits. Help me to keep my eyes on you, in Jesus name, Amen.