Biology defines life as
“the metabolic activity of protoplasm.”
But there are times when it seems even worse than that.
–Unknown*
Truthfully, a day of mere metabolic activity—going through the motions but without any delight or satisfaction—can hardly be called life. That’s simply existing.
What we really aspire to is a life of vitality, purpose, and joy.
The question is, how do we find it?
Some pursue pleasure, accumulate wealth and possessions, and/or fight against the effects of aging. But these activities provide momentary satisfaction at best.
Then there’s a different kind of living—life in Jesus.
“I am the life,” he proclaimed (John 11:25, 14:6).
And millions upon millions of people through the centuries have lived out the truth of his statement—with the vitality, purpose, and joy he offers.
That’s because:
Jesus is our source for life.
To be alive with Christ is to have eternal life.
That could be a curse if it meant enduring intolerable conditions decade after decade, century after century.
But what we’re promised is God’s eternity–heavenly bliss–when we pass from this life to the next.
Until that moment we’re privileged with God’s presence and his activity in our lives. In addition, he delights to saturate our imperfect inner selves with his own excellencies (Ephesians 3:19), transforming us into his likeness. And that in turn provides delight for us.
Jesus is our sustenance for life.
“I am the bread of life.
Whoever comes to me
Will never go hungry.”
–John 6:35
As bread supports physical life, Jesus supports spiritual life.
How? Sustenance occurs as we meditate on him—his attributes, acts of power, and wonderful works.
Just thinking about the vastness of his creative genius, the splendor of his miracles, and the overflow of his blessings breathes new life—strength, stamina, and joy—into our spirits.
Jesus is our solution for life.
Breathe in the assurance of God’s truth and the hope of his promises:
“The Lord is strong and mighty, therefore overwhelming victory is mine through Christ who loves me” (Psalm 24:8; Romans 8:37 NLT).
“From him and through him and to him are all things, therefore all circumstances are in the capable hands of my great God and Savior” (Romans 11:36; Titus 2:13).
“With God all things are possible, therefore he will fulfill his purpose for me” (Matthew 19:26; Psalm 138:8, emphasis added).
Such statements revitalize faith and attitude.
Jesus is our solace for life.
Take comfort in who Jesus is:
- Our indescribable gift (2 Corinthians 9:15). All we have to do is accept.
- Our constant companion (Matthew 28:20). All we have to do is acknowledge his presence.
- Our wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6). All we have to do is ask.
- Our burden-bearer (Matthew 11:28). All we have to do is come to him.
- Our all-powerful overcomer (John 16:33). All we have to do is avail ourselves and remember our enemy is already defeated.
There is no protoplasmic subsistence with Jesus.
You are a member of God’s royal family because of Jesus (John 1:9)–even during days of mundane repetition or unrecognized contribution.
As a result of your standing, all things have become new. You’ve been revitalized into an extraordinary creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) and bestowed with cosmic significance, a personalized place in the scheme of meaningful events and divine purposes (Philippians 2:13).
All because of Jesus.
He does indeed make life worth living.
*from Quote/Unquote, compiled by Lloyd Cory, Victor Books, 1977, p. 181.
Photo credits: http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.wikipedia.org; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.heartlight.org (3).
From the Inside Out 