Restless world. Isn’t that the truth!
Pastor Mike preached on Ecc. 5:10-20 and titled it, “Being Content in a Restless World”. I could relate to a lot of what he said today and especially enjoyed his probing questions. He spoke often about emptiness and how the things of this world don’t truly satisfy our deepest longings. Only God can fill those needs.
I know I have heard those thoughts before, but today I think I was a step closer to actually seeing it become a reality in my life. You see, for the past month or so, God has been awakening my heart to areas of hurt, disappointments, unmet desires, feelings of being overwhelmed etc. I even had what I like to call a “responsibility meltdown.” 
I loved the fact that Mike not only acknowledged that it is valid to feel that way sometimes, but he also stated that those times were God’s way of pointing us to Jesus.
Here are some questions that Mike asked today that I thought would be good to chew on -
What do you use to prop up your brokenness?
What do you look to in order to feel validated?
What do you look to in life as a substitute for God?
The theme that kept coming up in my mind was that I look to acceptance, affirmation, and approval of others far too much. Honestly, people are my substitute for God. And I can tell lately, that He is showing me that reality in my life, and wanting me to draw closer to Him.
So, what is it for you? How would you answer those questions? Was there anything else that stood out to you?
August 4th, 2008 at 10:24 am
Money, and approval from others. I was actually rather discouraged after yesterday’s sermon, because I feel like I never make any progress in my “trusting God more than money” struggles. So I had to keep reminding myself that God continues to work in my heart, and that sanctification is a process, and I just need to keep confessing my sin and asking the Holy Spirit to change my heart.