Misery or peace?

Too many people have expressed to me that God seems distant to them and that the entire biblical scenario seems almost surreal to them. They tell me that they never make God a part of their everyday life, or even think about God or spiritual things. Not surprisingly they count among the unhappiest people that I know.

One benefit that readers of WFTD, or certainly my autobiography, “Miracle on Luckie Street”, have is that I am willing to share my life’s experience with one and all in an attempt to help others to avoid making the same mistakes that I have made; (and there have been plenty). Both before and subsequent to becoming a Christian I have at times been very distant from God. I have found that the term, “miserable” best describes my condition when He’s far away from me. If I had to choose just one word to describe how it feels for God to be close to me, I suppose I would select the word, “peaceful”; joyful, happy, and content are all close behind.

Logic tells me that no one wants to be miserable or unhappy. So how can we find peace, joy, happiness, and contentment?

The secret is that we must draw very close to God. If God seems distant to you, then merely ask Him to draw close. It is as simple as that. The Bible plainly teaches that if we will draw close to God, He will draw close to us. Sometimes a tragic event will accomplish that independent of us voluntarily doing it. For example when the terrorists struck our great nation on 911 with such devastating fury and destruction, the citizens were greatly afraid and turned to God in large numbers and churches all over America were filled to overflowing. As time went on and no further attacks were forthcoming, it was as though the all clear whistle blew and the churches emptied and folks returned right back to the busy chaos of their lives making God once again an afterthought.

If you think about it during the time that the nation was drawing close to God, for once the politicians were not Democrats vs. Republicans hell bent on destroying each other, we were ONE nation and it was a good time in our nation. And today? Well there is no need to waste additional words on that one; suffice it to say that things have never been worse in that department.

The Bible illustrates this with the nation of Israel. All through the Bible when the nation turned to God it prospered mightily, and when it turned its back on Him, they suffered and were persecuted.

I have experienced this same phenomenon in my life over and over again. God would bless me mightily and deliver me from whatever dilemma in which I found myself, and then after a while I would forget about God and would be plunged right back into the misery that accompanies that approach. I tried most everything the world has to offer in drugs, alcohol, sex, money, power, fame, materialism; you name it.

Nothing worked and I finally learned that I just cannot make it on my own without God. Today I can truthfully tell you that not a day goes by that I do not see God working away in my life. I actively look for Him and turn to Him in every decision that I make. I am at peace with God. I am happy and content and I know sheer joy in my life.

How about you? Is your marriage failing? Are you worried? Are you hooked on drugs or alcohol? Pornography? Your portfolio? Misery will accompany such things; that much I know.

How does one draw close? First ask God to forgive you for drifting apart from Him. This is accomplished by prayer. (It doesn’t have to be formal; just have a conversation with Him like you would talk to one of your family members). Fellowship with other Christians will help. Consult with those who know peace and ask them what worked for them. Go to God’s word the Holy Bible and search the Scriptures for solutions to your problems. They are there; I guarantee it! Don’t worry about being perfect, it is impossible; just stay close to God and rely on Him. Worship God and thank Him for everything.

This can best be demonstrated by giving. Giving is not about finance alone. God owns all of creation. He doesn’t need your money. It is YOU that He wants. If you love the Lord you will obey Him and tithing, and helping those in need will come quite naturally. Cheerfully give your all to the Lord and you will know peace, joy, happiness and contentment. God’s love for us knows no bounds

2 Cor. 9:7
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.