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I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For
[audio:StillHaventFound.mp3|titles=I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For|artists=Christian St John]
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“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want…” Philippians 4:11-12
We live in a world where many people are not content. They look at what they have and it’s not enough. They want more. More stuff, more fun, more money, more sex, and to quote the Billy Idol song Rebel Yell “MORE! MORE! MORE!” Either that or they want something else, something better than what they have – car, job, wife, husband, bank balance, etc.
Maybe they want to be someone else or be somewhere else something other than what they currently have, something other than the circumstances and situations they currently find themselves in. Or maybe it’s a quest for the truth. The only problem is no matter where they look they cannot find it. Many people search their entire lives for fulfillment and the answer to the meaning of life and never come close to an answer to the ultimate question.
Even Christians sometimes have longings for something more. There are times when this life may feel like heaven on earth. You’re so close to God, everything is going well, and it feels like you have need of nothing. Then there are times when God feels so distant and nothing seems to be going right, like everything is falling down around you.
And so, as Christians, we live somewhere in between these polarizing extremes where on the one hand we have everything we need, on the other still not finding what we’re looking for. And I know this to be true because quite often my heart’s cry is I still haven’t found what I’m looking for.
And yet the Apostle Paul wrote about being content in all things – not just some things but all things. But how? How did he learn the secret to contentment? I know what it is to look at something and want it so badly I could taste it. I know what it is to be in need and long for a better day. And I also know what it is to have plenty. So you see I’m not alien to what I write about.
Here are some ideas that may help us to begin the journey towards contentedness:
- Maybe we need to stop trying to keep up with the Joneses, always wanting the bigger and better stuff of life.
- Maybe we need to let go of the goals and dreams we are holding on to and ask God to begin working in us and through us Hid will for our lives.
- Maybe we need to stop hunting down perfection and come to the full realization that only God is perfect.
- And we need to thank God for what we do have instead of complaining about what we don’t have.
One of my favorite songs is the song I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For by U2. I like it not just because it’s a great song but because of the depth of honesty reflected in the song. The idea that we will never truly find what we’re looking for in this life is one that I personally understand and I think if we’re all honest there is something inside all of us that wants more, longs for perfection, and desires to live outside of the ordinary.
The Bible tells us that we “can do everything through him who gives (us) strength.” Philippians 4:13 This was the Apostle Paul’s key to contentment. He realized that this world and all of its power, fame, and fortune doesn’t offer true perfection and provision but that Christ does. And it by His strength and power and love that we can make it through this life to truly find what we’re looking for.
“We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!” 1 Corinthians 13:12
Christian St John M.Div, BChM, ACS
September, 2009
What an excellent blog. I often feel this way even though I am a Christian. Love the Spidey reference and U2 reference. Great to find a site that has so much to offer. L. Nuton, Ontario
Thanks Luke, Glad you liked this post. I work hard to include references to pop culture in my messages so expect more like this real soon! Chris
Seeking perfection is something I struggle with. Seeking perfection in myself and others. thank you for making me aware of this. putting to words something that I need to address.
Lynn, if we’re all honest we all seek perfection to one degree or another. It’s great that God has used this message to make you aware of this in yourself. Just remember it’s by God’s strength that we can overcome this desire for perfection and begin the journey to contentment. In Him! Chris
What an excellent blog. I often feel this way even though I am a Christian. Love the Spidey reference and U2 reference. Great to find a site that has so much to offer. L. Nuton, Ontario