The Joy In My Soul

I want to matter;
I want to stay relevant.
I keep on talking,
I keep on…

I’m running out of days.
I’m a shooting star,
I’m fading fast,
I can’t stop…

Generations come
and generations go…

How do I make an impact?
How do I keep on living?
“My eternal child—
Only through you…”

Commentary: The crisis in the world today is that instead of embracing a new spiritual life, as we were designed to do, people are trying to get as much pleasure as they can out of an aging physical body. However, this misguided pursuit of eternal youth has led to a culture of egotistical adults who refuse to grow up and, as a result, neglect their spiritual development.

Without convictions, people are prone to depression when they become aged and sickly. This is evident in the alarming rise of mental health issues among young adults, who are struggling to find meaning and purpose in a world that prioritizes physical appearance over spiritual growth. As author and pastor Timothy Keller notes, “The desire to be young is not just a cultural phenomenon, but a deep-seated desire to avoid the realities of mortality and the unknown” (Keller, 2012).

However, this preoccupation with “trying to remain forever young” was never intended to hijack our eternal purposes. In fact, our Creator designed us to age gradually, so that we could transition into spiritual maturity gracefully. This natural process allows us to reflect on our lives, maintain our values, and develop a deeper sense of purpose and meaning.

When we prioritize earthly pleasures and treasures over our spiritual well-being, we become lost at sea. It is only when we anchor our lives on the “Rock of Ages” that we can withstand the crashing waves that engulf us. According to Psalm 62:8, “Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.” By anchoring our lives in God’s wisdom and sovereignty, we can navigate the challenges of life with confidence and hope.

So how do we navigate back to safe harbors? Every day, we make choices that determine the direction our heart will travel. Will we seek to know our Savior, or will we become more acquainted with the world’s idols? If we choose to read the Bible, we will also choose to look for the good in God’s creations. As Psalm 119:105 states, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” By embracing God’s Word as our guide, we can find direction and purpose in a world that often seems lost and uncertain.

Reference: Keller, T. (2012). Walking with God through Pain and Suffering. Viking Press.

“Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things and center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart.” Bible, Philippians 4:8

“Love is not affectionate feeling, but a steady wish for the loved person’s ultimate good as far as it can be obtained.” By: C.S. Lewis