We will never be fulfilled in any other than God alone.
A spouse cannot.
Kids cannot.
A job or career cannot.
Material things will never.
Money will not.
You fill in the blank with whatever tops your list of priorities, especially if that priority steals all of your attention away from God.
_______ will never fulfill me like God alone can.
See, we were made to seek, serve, and worship the One True God. He gave us, or allows us, these other things for our pleasure, and to aid in serving Him and others—but never to replace.
I love math. How about this equation…
replacing = less fulfillment = less peace = less joy
“Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.14.6.NLT
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
Matthew 6:33 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.6.33.NLT
When we turn our attention to God first, it doesn’t mean we don’t have time for those other things, or those we love. It means we look to Him daily, allowing Him to be on the throne of our heart…pursuing Him and His ways, daily. Reading His Word. Talking to Him in prayer. Letting Him know that you love Him. Then we can enjoy things more and love others better.
If you struggle with spending time with Him, reading and praying, ask Him to help you with that. For example, “God, I’m struggling with wanting to take time with you; and I don’t feel that I love you like I should. Will you help me? I know I need to. I want to.” Come to Him with reverence and fear of His greatness, but with knowing He loves you and wants to hear from you…let Him know how you feel; seek Him; and let Him help you.
““Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.”
Matthew 7:7 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.7.7.NLT
There have been many times that I have kept on asking, kept on seeking, and kept on knocking, and He answered. He changed me. Never give up!
Trust when you can’t see around the corner. He is there. Put Him first. Seek Him above all else and see what wonderful gifts He might have in store for you.
Even when there is suffering and pain, knowing He is there—that He is THE way—there can be peace when we choose to abide in Him. It’s not always easy…trust me I know! There have been some very difficult times in which I struggled to trust, but I kept pursuing, knowing that fully trusting = peace that passes understanding. Do you know what I found out? I could have trusted when I couldn’t see the entire time because He was there, and He worked it out, and especially for His glory. When I get my eyes focused on my surroundings, my problems, or my goals, etc. rather than trusting Him—whom I can trust, I can begin to sink into worry and fear.
When Peter was walking on the water to Jesus, when he took His eyes off Jesus and began to focus on his surroundings, He began to sink. Jesus reached down and pulled Him back up. Let Jesus pull you back to safety today.
“He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?””
Matthew 14:29-31 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.14.29-31.ESV
He is real in my life, and brings a greater hope beyond this life and its ups and downs. He brings joy and peace, and abundant life. Allow Him to do that for you today. Then celebrate! Celebrate because HE alone is worth celebrating!!
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/php.4.6-7.NLT
“Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen.”
Philippians 4:20 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/php.4.20.NLT
Simply Celebrate With Jackie 