I've been thinking about those things that prevent us from knowing Christ. It is easy to run to the idea that there are so many bad things happening in the world that it causes us to doubt the existence of this "good and loving God" we keep hearing about. Life circumstances seemingly neutralize the "good news" of the gospel and call into question it's effect on "real life". Sadly, shots ring out at a movie theater...a lunchroom...a quiet neighborhood where "things like this just don't happen" and there is the inevitable question, "Why?" When no offered answer satisfies, many tend to claim divine indifference towards the suffering of mankind diminishes the possibility of a Sovereign Loving Being.
But today, I'm thinking of something else. More about things that go north than south. No untimely illnesses or earth-shattering automobile accidents, no financial failings or foreclosure filings, no calamities to curb our enthusiasm for the daily grind. Life goes along just as it should...all very nice...but, in reality, not very good. Here lies the real danger. For it is in the pleasant mundane that we are easily lulled into thinking on our own, rather than relying on the Truth of God's Word. We tend to believe that we have no need for the Gift-Giver as long as we have the gifts He so graciously gives. What was meant to conjure gratitude illicits apathy toward Jesus. A good family, good health, plenty of stuff...we have all we could ever want...and sadly nothing we will ever need. "Jesus is a crutch for those who cannot make it on their own!" is the declaration of the independent. To which I respond in this blog post..."Well-said, desolate mortal creature...well-said!"
For, oh what a dangerous posture to take as we ingest the lie that something besides Christ will satisfy. No! Only He can fulfill our deepest longings. Only He can bind up the wounded. Only He can set the captive free! There exists a spiritual numbness born out of a physical plenty, that prevents some from sensing the burning desire for His presence in our lives. Still, there remains a well that never runs dry. Come to Him...even in the midst of your comfort.