Sitting
behind me in church, I see her hold her precious boy as if there were nothing
that could ever pry him from the safety of her arms. She doesn’t realize that I know her story…Truth is, there is something that she just can’t seem to let go of. It’s not him; it’s not even a person for that matter. Sadly, it is what she continually uses to satisfy and fulfill a longing she does not fully understand. By choice, she has replaced the embrace of her sweet boy, with the tight grip she has on the neck of a bottle…
As
she sat behind me, boy in arms, I knew that was probably the first time she has
seen him all week; she is losing him to her addiction and soon to the foster
system. In that moment, my eyes well, for
I am a mom. I KNOW in her heart’s pit,
that the last thing she wants is to give her sweet baby boy that she labored
into this world, up to the shuffle of the foster system- but she also knows the
demon on her back is a nasty one and she is slowly losing the battle. It’s easy to look at her situation and swear
to NEVER be so selfish, so addicted, so
sad.
‘Therefore let
him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall… God is faithful, who
will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with that temptation
He will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.’
1 Corinthians 10:12-13
Truthfully,
each of us are always just one decision away from what we know could be our own
demise.
Many
of us already have, will or just may not realize it yet, fill certain aspects
of our lives with things that are or can potentially be hazardous for ourselves
and our families. No, I am not saying we all will be addicts or extremists, but
I am saying, that we are all made to long...
How
we fulfill 'that' longing, that deep hungering call of our hearts for
validation/satisfaction- ultimately love,
'that'
longing that even the most rich/established/loved people cannot fulfill on
their own (Robin Williams)
how
we fill ‘that’ longing will determine
how well we live out our days here.
But
why?
I
am lonely- so I’ll fill up on over achievements, temporary relationships, food,
unnecessary purchases, alcohol, or other substances.
I
have been hurt- so I’ll fill up on hurting myself, hurting others, or just
remain so negative and guarded that no one will really want to be around me
anyway.
My
spouse doesn’t help me enough, love me right, or validate my efforts so- I’ll
fill up on over-indulging in my children, gossiping with friends, bad mouthing
my mate, fantasizing what about what others have etc.
Or…
My
life is great, I have all I ever wanted, however I still feel like something is
missing…
‘There
probably is!’
What
we fail to realize or often forget, is that the Person who made us with the need for fulfillment is the only One who
is truly able to fill it. Long time
church goer or atheist, millionaire or homeless, there is not one who can say
that they are 100% satisfied 100% of their breathing days. Not one.
We
are meant to need Him.
'You
open Your hand and satisfy the desire of EVERY living thing.’ Psalms 145:16
His
purpose was, is and will forever be to pursue a real and working relationship
with His creation. It is our choice as
to whether or not we really let Him.
The
one who attends church every Sunday and has the whole Bible memorized still
needs a real working relationship with Jesus as much as the one who warms the
bar stool and can recite the ingredients of every mixed drink available without
hesitation.
Point
being, He is and will always be the only best lasting and permanent solution to
our always changing and longing desires.
·
Realize what you’re really seeking- (The
answer is usually deeper than we’re willing to admit.)
·
Recognize that you’re temporarily trying
to fill what is a permanent/eternal longing. (A temporary fix is just that, but
a permanent solution is always a prayer away.)
·
Redirect your focus. (Don’t stay focused on what you are without,
once you realize what it really is, ask the Lord to help you keep your eyes on
Him rather than the problem at hand.)
·
Replace ‘your’ plans for His plan.
(Trust that He loves you and has a plan for your life far better than anything
you can dream up yourself.)
·
Rest in His all sufficient Love, Grace
and Absolute ability to be enough. For You. For Always.
‘For
I satisfy the weary ones and refresh everyone who languishes.’ Jeremiah 31:25
I
may not have a drinking problem that will keep me from my son, but I have a
heart problem that can often keep me from peace and contentment. That problem is selfishness, pride,
materialism and often times fear- BUT when I remember that He loves me, desires
to be ALL that I need and simply just waits for me to surrender my concerns at
that time- I say this as 100% truth based on experience- He ALWAYS exchanges my
___(depends on the day)___ with His peace and contentment.
Whatever
you are facing today that is keeping you feeling unfulfilled, discontented or
lacking at all, I pray that you ask the Lord to take it from you and exchange
it with His Love and Peace. Trust and
wait for Him to do this. He will, be
patient and learn to be satisfied with all that He has to offer. He LOVES us so very much. Belief is all He asks from us in return...
Join the Mom
Squad as we take time September 20th to Re-Ignite the fire in our
hearts for Christ and His presence in our homes and families. Registration is kicking off, so make sure
to sign-up quickly, availability is limited to 100 participants! We can’t wait to start off the fall season by
fellowshipping with you and setting our hearts ablaze for Him! Check this out: Re-Ignite Registration
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