Bernard Levin once said: “Countries like ours are full of people who have all of the material comforts they desire, yet lead lives of quiet (and at times noisy) desperation, understanding nothing but the fact that there is a hole inside them and that however much food and drink they pour into it, however many motorcars and television sets they stuff it with, however many well balanced children and loyal friends they parade around the edges of it . . . it aches!”
Recently I have been inundated with guests visiting from out of town. As is often the case when such a situation develops, I get out of my routine. One thing that sometimes happens when we have a house-full of company is that I may miss attending church and often I don’t read and study the Bible as much. I told a friend of mine the other day that I “had” to go to church this Sunday because I “needed” spiritual help. Nothing major mind you, just a sense of peace.
When I miss church on Sunday I feel very uneasy and experience anxiety. It is hard to explain with words, but I can definitely tell when I am not walking as close to the Lord as I should. I miss the quiet inner peace that is such a wonderful feeling to me. I went to church this past Sunday. and it made all the difference in the world to me. I have a renewed sense of peace and calm that I did not have before that helps me to deal with the stress that I am faced with daily. I can face tribulation when I am close to the Lord.
Bernard Levin hit the nail on the head with his remarks. No material thing(s) can satisfy mankind. You cannot do it with cars, boats, vacation homes, alcohol, drugs, friends, or money. If only people could understand that one point. I have had people say “That is easy for you to say, you have lots of money”; lest you forget, I hitch-hiked into Atlanta with not one penny to my name. I have been very, very poor in my life and I can attest that I “ache” equally with and without money and what it buys. The ONLY thing that provides peace in my life is a close relationship with God. Only God can fill the “hole”, take away the “desperation” and stop the “heartache”. Only Jesus Christ can provide us with gentle peace. Listen to what He tells us:
John 16:33
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have
peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer,
I have overcome the world.