GRAND EXPERIMENT ABOUT LIFE (2)

We need to realize and accept our dependency on God rather than try to figure out and control life for ourselves. Once we accept our role in the world, we can let God be God and not try to rule the universe for ourselves. Then we can find enjoyment and genuine satisfaction in life (3:12, 13). That this satisfaction is God’s gift; we cannot “manufacture” it for ourselves. Life is still very much an up-and down affair. There are, undoubtedly, some things in our lives that make no sense to us, that we find confusing, perhaps decidedly unfair. At times it is hard to see any meaning in what is happening in our lives, and we have more questions than we have answers. While this may not be a satisfactory state of affairs, it is a realistic understanding of the way life is. And it is not healthy to deny it. We may pretend that we understand everything and have an answer for every perplexity, but the truth is, we do not, and neither does anyone else except God.

We must choose how we will respond to the realities of life. We have only two choices. First, we can respond in despair. We can conclude that life is hopeless. We can join Solomon in his wearying refrain that life is “vanity.” But this will lead to a sour existence, and we will become cynical and joyless. We can respond in faith. Yes, life is confusing, but Christians are convinced that it does have meaning, even if we cannot always see that meaning. God knows, even if we do not. Even though life is often unfair, God will take care of that in the end. Until that end, He will sustain us. By faith, we do not need to understand what life is all about. We need only to trust the One who does understand and who is in complete control. Such faith is not, as some charge, blind or ignorant. It merely recognizes what no one can reasonably deny: Life is beyond our understanding. That faith chooses to believe that, because of God, life yet has purpose.

Is there any choice in how to respond to life’s perplexities? Given the options of despair or faith, why would anyone choose despair? Why would he not rather live in hope of a completely new and better life both now and in eternity? This is what God offers you in Jesus Christ— forgiveness, meaning, purpose, hope for eternity. But you must begin by acknowledging that God is in control of your life and everything else, that you have sinned and need His forgiveness, that God has decreed that only through the death and resurrection of His Son can you find what you truly need and are looking for, and that the ultimate meaning of this life is the eternal life that Jesus gives. What will your choice be? Despair or faith? Only you can decide.

Word Affirmation: “Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart." – Psalm 32:11 (Don't just say it, mean it!)

“ We must choose how we will respond to the realities of life. We have only two choices. "

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