Searching for More
I’ve been searching for something more. Recently, I went into my son’s bedroom and knelt down to pray. I don’t know why I chose his room. Maybe it’s because he’s visiting his grandparents for a couple weeks and I miss him, or maybe it’s because I wish I was a better father. Whatever the reason, I got on my knees on that bedroom floor and told Jesus I was searching for something more; something that would make me a purer man, a more considerate husband, and better father; something that would make the discontentment, frustration, and sinful patterns go away.
I cannot tell you that I had a life-changing experience at that moment, but I did come away with a fresh realization. All that I am looking for is found in one place. It is found in Jesus Christ. He is the answer. All my searching must lead to Him or else I search in vain.
The world offers many things that look filling and satisfying. But, at best, they offer temporary fixes. The fact is that there is a God-sized hole in each of our hearts. You can stuff a million dollars into that hole. You can stuff big houses, expensive cars, the latest fashions, friend after friend, spouse after spouse into that hole, and all of that still will leave you feeling empty and unfulfilled. A God-sized hole can only be filled by God.
In the book of Haggai, God comes to the Israelites with a challenge that is pertinent for us today. He dares the Israelites to “consider how it is going for you.” From there, he quickly points out, “You have planted much but harvested little. You have food to eat, but not enough to fill you up. You have wine to drink, but not enough to satisfy your thirst. You have clothing to wear, but not enough to keep you warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes!”
Why is it that the Israelites have plenty of food and drink but are never satisfied? Why is it that they have plenty of clothes but can’t get warm? Why is it that they never seem to have enough money? God makes it plain, “It’s because you have forgotten all about Me!” (See: Haggai 1:9) The answer to fulfillment, satisfaction and purpose is not found in things, no matter how many of those things you may happen to have.
The answer is found in Christ.
