get a life

When we hear the words, "Get a life," they're usually in a tone that is hardly encouraging. But Scripture tells us the same thing in words like, Choose life, not death. And Choose my ways that you may live. As well as, "I am the way and the truth and the life."

Oftentimes we're perplexed or unhappy about something in our lives to the point where we lose sight of where real life comes from. It doesn't come from having our way, or our needs met. Remember that the writer in Ecclesiastes speaks of a man or men having their own way completely, getting whatever they wanted, but in the end being left "high and dry." That writer ends up saying that what really matters in life is to fear God and keep his commandments.

More often than I'd like to admit, I too find myself wishing that this and that in my life would be different. I will admit I'd like to be doing something different vocationally, though I thank God for the job I have. And it's not above Christians to have thoughts of discontent in nearly every area of life.

But we need to hear and heed the words of God in Scripture telling us in gentle yet firm and persistent tones, Come to me, open the door for me, that you may have real life. This is where real life lies. Not in having our way, but in finding our way in the one who is the way, the truth and the life.

What words would you like to add here?

Tomorrow: "Indiana Jones - fear", from L.L. Barkat's book, Stone Crossings: Finding Grace in Hard and Hidden Places.