To Have It All

I got a call from a young friend the other day. He was drunk and cussing out God because his girlfriend had just broken up with him. It reminded me of some times in my own life when I've been mad at God, exasperated that he didn't come through on something that was very important to me. Been there?

Just think--you don't need a thing, you've got it all! All God's gifts are right in front of you. . . . God himself is right alongside to keep you steady and on track until things are all wrapped up by Jesus. God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. (1 Cor. 1:7-9 Message)

It seems to me that there is an ironic paradox built into life. As long as we pursue God simply as a means to an end (getting what we want out of life), the abundant life in Jesus alludes us. We feel disappointed by God. It's like putting your coins in the machine, pushing the right button, but nothing comes out. Frustrating! But what kind of God would he be if he functioned like a vending machine, anyway?

Only when we discover that God himself is the only thing that is really worth pursuing--seeking him just to know him, just to be close to him, just to be more like him--do we find the content satisfaction of discovering that in God we really do have all things.

Disappointed with God? Try pursuing God instead of God's blessings. You'll find more blessing than you can imagine.

Lord, I have you, and that is truly enough. Amen.