In our journey through life, we often encounter beliefs and ideas that seem strange or unfounded. History is filled with examples of people holding onto misconceptions, from medieval beliefs about left-handedness to modern flat-earth theories. These beliefs often arise from a deep-seated need for answers to life's big questions, such as our purpose and existence. Blaise Pascal famously noted that we all have a "God-shaped hole" in our lives, a void that only God can fill. This longing for answers has led to the creation of various belief systems and religions.
About a century ago, there was a significant shift from a supernatural worldview to a naturalistic one, where science became the primary source of answers. This shift led to the rise of humanism, which suggests that self-actualization is the key to understanding life's purpose. However, this belief in self as the ultimate answer is flawed. True fulfillment comes not from believing in oneself but from trusting in the God who created, gifted, and called us.
Jeremiah 17 warns against placing our trust in human strength and turning our hearts away from God. Those who do so are like stunted shrubs in a barren desert, devoid of hope and future. In contrast, those who trust in the Lord are like trees planted by a river, flourishing even in times of drought. This imagery highlights the importance of where we place our trust and the condition of our hearts.
Our hearts are deceitful and can lead us astray, making us chase after things that ultimately leave us empty. Instead, we are called to turn our hearts towards God, allowing our actions to follow. This involves recognizing where God is at work around us and joining Him in His mission. By doing so, we experience the blessings and fullness of life that God intends for us.
