Either way, if they are not the eternal fulfillment that God wants us to have, they not only will not fulfill us, they will also destroy us.
In a 2008 Rolling Stones magazine interview with Brad Pitt, Brad said these words, “Man, I know all those things are supposed to seem important to us; the cars, the condo, our version of success. But if that’s the case, why is the general feeling out there feeling more impotence and isolation and desperation and loneliness? If you ask me, I say toss this, we gotta find something else. I don’t have those answers yet. The emphasis now is on success and personal gain. I’m the guy who’s got everything. I’m sitting in it and I’m telling you, ‘This is not it!’”
Here is someone that seemingly had everything yet had not found inner fulfillment. It is a constant battle for each of us to continually draw our hearts back to seeking our fulfillment only in God. We have deeper cravings then these and only Jesus can satisfy them.
When we cease clinging to these things, people, ideas around which we seek happiness and define our lives and hand them over to God, we are free to find our fulfillment in Him. But first, we must hand over these things to Him.
Sometimes this is hard! We don’t want to let go. It may be painful. But it is only in letting go that we can find all that God has intended for our lives.
What is it that you need to let go of to enjoy God fully in your life?
On Your Heart Tuesday link is open. Please link your post and take a moment to read the post of your neighbour.
Lewis said we are too easily pleased by the things of this world, not realizing the real pleasures that await. That God shaped hole in our heart will never be filled with anything less than God Himself. Great post and challenging question to think over. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your blog today. It is so true that we need to let go of things to give God full control to make our lives the best they can be, to fill the holes and longings we don't understand. Your words are challenging to me on a day when I need to be challenged.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for hosting! I enjoyed linking up and looking around!
ReplyDeleteTimely for me today. The rain pours and He reminds me sitting here with my hot cup of chai tea, that deep down it is my desire and I find the joy and peace I desperately seek when I open my bible first thing, focus on Him, give it all to Him, allow Him to speak to my soul. I think I'll go do that now. Blessings to you, Shanda.
ReplyDeleteFor me, I don't think it is the letting go. I think it is the embracing of growing where I am planted - finding fulfillment and spending time with God right where I am. Maybe it is letting go of "where I wanna be-isms." Now you've got me thinking!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
ReplyDeleteAmen, thanks Shanda....great post. The temporary is only that isn't it. Thank God for His eternal promise.
ReplyDeleteJesus invites us to leave everything behind, and follow him. God alone can fulfill us, and make us whole again. He is all we need. We must focus on God. <3
ReplyDeleteHe is all we need! Nothing the world has e3ven comes close! Thanks for the great post & for hosting the linkup, & God bless!
ReplyDeleteGood message. Learning to be content is a hard one. Only Jesus can satisfy! Thanks for hosting this link up!
ReplyDeleteWhat do I have to let go of? All the 'important' things I thought I was supposed to accomplish in my life. I am running out of time, only now seeing that, in running after what I thought I was supposed to do, I missed what was right in front of me. Don't want to do that one more time.
ReplyDeleteYes, so important to think about what is most important - and to let go of the lesser things. Continually needing to remind myself of this, especially in this fast-paced, busy world that we live in.
ReplyDeleteI think that I need to increase my efforts in our Inner City Mission. When I am serving more I feel the spirit more and I feel better about myself. I feel good about reading the scriptures each day. I do know that I need to look at my priorities, goals and find more balance in my life. Thanks for the thoughts today;I am pondering on them. You are so right there are somethings that I need to give up to give me more time to choose better what I do with my time.
ReplyDeleteBlessings !
It's the same old story that the things of this world can't bring us happiness! Only opening up our hearts to the Lord can fulfill that inner need.
ReplyDeleteOften, I have to give up ... trying so hard.
ReplyDeleteFondly,
Glenda