AN EXERCISE IN FUTILITY

Therefore, I will block her path with thorn bushes; I will wall her in so she can not find her way.  She will chase after her lovers but not catch them.  Hosea 2:56

            One of the symptoms of depression is the inability to enjoy anything.  Sleep eludes you.  Food tastes bland.  The plot of an otherwise great movie isn’t even mildly interesting.  You are suspended in that ‘pit of nothingness’ Isaiah describes.

            This experience surely describes the child of God who chases so long after other things to fill his soul that they are transformed into tasteless meals.  Like any addiction, what amount used to satisfy, no longer does.  It takes ‘bigger and better’ to make any positive impression.

            Is this just a commentary on the meaninglessness of human existence or is God involved here, blocking our path and causing us to travel in circles?  If God tells the truth, and I believe wholeheartedly that He does, then He is the author of such aggravation.  He hopes we’ll throw up our hands and cease our wanderings.  He is holding His breath, perhaps, hoping we’ll take the one road that leads back to the source of joy.

            With God, appetites are satisfied.  Thrills are experienced.  Joy is inexpressible with words.  Wonder is a daily thing.  Truth energizes the spirit.  Centering on God introduces such a rich way of life that the one who finally discovers it wonders why in the world he was stubborn for so long.  Why didn’t he just believe God years ago and save himself such a tortuous path?  That is the question.

            For anyone who is willing to learn from the mistakes of another, listen.  Make the course change now.  Any other quest for meaning will only lead to a dead-end street.

My soul will lead me away from You, but I thank You for frustrating me on my journey to nowhere.  I now live in You and I am well.  Amen