Once I overheard a discussion between two successful young professionals on a train. It sounded like they had graduated together from a graduate school a while back with big dreams. And they had gone and achieved them all right. A good job. A beautiful wife. Wonderful kids. A comfortable house. A fast car. Extensive travels. Yet they were asking: Is this all there is?

We think we can find happiness on our own.
We think we know how to find meaning for our lives.
We think we can ourselves figure out the code for abundant living.

But we can’t.

My plans aren’t your plans,
nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.
(Isaiah 55:8, CEB)

No matter how much money we will make.
No matter how high goals we achieve.
No matter how many dreams we make come through.

We are nothing without God.
We are empty without Jesus.
We are hollow without the Holy Spirit.

But thankfully this is not all there is.
Thankfully God has eternal plans.
Thankfully Jesus is the key to abundant living.

When we choose Jesus, we choose life. And not just surviving somehow kind of living but abundant life. Blessed living. Life full of meaning and purpose and courage. Because even death does not scare us. It’s just a stepping stone for our final destination.

So you’ll go out in joy,
    you’ll be led into a whole and complete life.
(Isaiah 55:12, MSG)

When we are made right with God, we finally find everything we have been looking for. Nothing but Jesus can give us real fulfillment. Not success, not money, not drugs, not food, not alcohol, not a family, not a degree, not a lack of hard times, not a winning strike. Nothing but Jesus. But when we are friends with Jesus, we will indeed be led into a whole and complete life. Not into a life without difficulties. But into a life empowered by the Holy Spirit.

This is not all there is.

Choose life.
Choose Jesus.
Choose meaning.
Now and forever.

 

Gracious God,
Thank you for letting us find you.
Thank you for writing eternity in our souls.
Thank you that in you we find everything we have been looking for.
Thank you that this life is not all there is.
Thank you that you have better plans, eternal plans for us.
Lead us into a whole and complete life.
Lead us into you.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: Have you ever asked “is this all there is”? How has God answered you? How would you respond to someone asking it today?

Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you embrace God and his plans for your life!

Image courtesy of Kevin Carden. Linking up today with Thought-Provoking Thursday, Faith-filled Fridays.