A life worth living

OUR HUMAN story is messy and scary sometimes, isn’t it? We find ourselves perplexed and confused. Some are angry, and others bored out of their minds. Some strive and struggle in a fight for their lives.

Others have shut down completely, as their joy has gone silent and still. Some lash out without thinking, unable to contain their pain. Some even hatch plans to steal, kill, and take advantage of the weak and innocent.

Some think they are better — or worse — than everyone else. Others sell their body and soul for a dollar. Some roam aimlessly without purpose. Others lay dying in a ditch, waiting for the darkness to come. 

And you might wonder, what’s the point? Does any of it make sense? Why does it have to be this way? Does my own life matter? And you could go all day, a lifetime even, trying to figure it all out, shaking your fist at God. Or you could let a tiny screen or food or drugs or booze or spending money numb you while your sensitivity melts away. 

Or maybe, just maybe, there’s a second chance. Do you have the courage? Will you take the risk? Are you willing to strip away the false coping mechanisms? Are you willing to actually feel and live again? Do you even want to?

I believe in eternal life, but we only get one shot at this life. One shot. Are you taking full advantage of it? Yes, life can wear you down. Anything can get stale. What once held great meaning for you can suddenly feel empty. Some situations are horrific and painful. But in avoiding hurt at all costs, we might end up digging our own graves.

And all that is okay, I say. In fact, it’s perfect. It’s the perfect moment to admit you’ve reached the end of something — so now you can begin again. I’m not saying you must launch a new career or take up a crusade. But you can reach out to God and renew your mind, renew your spirit — and embrace the struggle.

Gather the strength and courage to break through into something spacious and new. By worldly standards, it might not be exciting, but in the spiritual realm, it’s an amazing adventure, a new realization. It’s a taste of eternal life now.

Maybe you made a mistake, or a lot of them. Who hasn’t? Does that mean there’s nothing left? No, no, a thousand times no! Remember, Jesus calls out from the cross:

Forgive them Father!

The Son of Man bled and died for you to fully comprehend the love of God. No matter the level of shame and failure, you are forgiven for it all. There is so much more to live for then — so much opportunity to live in plenitude, to live in peace.

True peace is giving, it expands. When Jesus shared his peace, he extended his pierced hands. He exposed his wounded side. So go into his wounds. There you will find meaning; there you will discover life.

If you are anguished, sad, or shut down — Wake Up!

Do not let the enemy turn off the lights. An impure spirit wants to spread out over the world. It is the spirit that says there is no hope, that all is lost. It is the spirit of death, dying, and decay. It generates envy and apathy. It drives you into isolation.

Contrast that with the Spirit of life, the Holy Spirit of God. His Spirit says all things are possible. Even in the most difficult situation, you can find purpose and meaning. It was proven in the WWII concentration camps and in the killing fields of Cambodia. It continues in Syria, Ukraine, and Yemen. It has been proven in countless testimonies of people overcoming incredible odds. And even if abundance is smothering you, there is a way out. There is a way to reunite with your humanity again.

Those who continued forward were not heroes, they were humans like you and me — limited, fragile, and afraid. Some died and some lived on, but none of them lost hope. And sometimes victory is simply overcoming the routine of life, our frailty, and the apparent absurdity of it all.

It’s simply saying: YES. I do have reasons to live. I can name them. People care for me, depend upon me. My happiness makes them happy. My peace can extend to others to give them peace. They are worth it. I am worth it. Getting love is wonderfully good. Giving love is giving life. The honest struggle makes the world a better place.

So I will not shut down. I will not let the darkness win. I will open my heart and mind to the voice of God. I will open myself to his healing grace. And the enemy will vanish in a puff of smoke, for he has no power over the sons and daughters of God. 

Your life is unique, unrepeatable. Your story matters — both the tragedy and the joy. In this you are not alone. So go forth and claim your birthright as a newborn child of God.

Yes, it will be messy and scary sometimes. You don’t have to do it perfectly. Just try. Let the Good Lord fill in the gaps. And walk humbly with the Lord your God. 

. . . . . . .

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
    And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
    and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8

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