I’m coming to realize that my life . . . makes no sense. I know, this is a shock to many who know me, but read carefully the preceding words. I didn’t say that I don’t make sense (though that may certainly be the case . . . on occasion), but that my life didn’t make sense. As I near the close of my 36th year of existence, I’m realizing that I’m currently living a contradictory life.
From an outsider’s perspective, I should be thoroughly discouraged at this stage. Well into my third decade of life, I have never been married (nor do I even have any prospects at the moment), do not own my own home, I bicycle everywhere I go, I work retail . . . And the list can go on and on. Not exactly the life most people envy, is it? From a very worldly perspective, I should be despondent, depressed, on the brink of despair. So why, I ask, do I feel more hopeful, more joyful, more satisfied than I ever have in my life?
Paul’s words ring out to me now more than ever when he writes, “I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.” (Philippians 4:9-10, Message) See, it’s no longer about me, and, in truth, it never was. It is now, and always has been, about the One who makes me who I am. I have found the greatest treasure known to man, so how can I be discouraged over petty details?
Besides, Jesus has me taken care of no matter what. “What’s the price of a pet canary? Some loose change, right? And God cares what happens to it even more than you do. He pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail - even numbering the hairs on your head!” (Matthew 10:29-30, Message) He knows every hair on my head - even the graying ones. “Give your attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” (Matthew 6:34, Message) These are the words of Jesus, letting me know that I am seen and cared for in any and all circumstances. Why should I worry? I’m in the palm of His hand, all day, every day.
Besides, I’m stronger when I’m at my weakest, so I don’t have to let difficulties stress me out. Ah, I can almost see the question mark over your head. Paul explained it best. Talking about a handicap that he had asked God to take away three times, and he heard God say, “My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into it’s own in your weakness.” Paul continues: “Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size - abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so, the weaker I get, the stronger I become.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Message)
See? None of it makes sense; not in a typical, world-based view that has been perpetuated by generations of dissatisfied people. But, it’s the life that God has given me in place of my own pitiful attempts to run my own life. “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy of ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30, Message) This is the offer Jesus give to us all. To live in the “unforced rhythms of grace.” To “live freely and lightly.” Yes, even in this world we inhabit, with all the wars, economic instability, and all the rest of the uncertainty. Real rest can indeed be found. I’ve found it, and I know lots of other people who have as well, and it’s all found in a relationship with Christ. Living a contradictory life can be fun - makes people wonder . . .
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