Are you ever just angry at sin??
Like angry at the way that it has changed your life? If I didn’t live in this sinful world then I would not be constantly breaking the heart of my father. I wouldn’t have to live in the consequences of things not of God. It makes me frustrated to think about the fact that I choose the things of this world over Him. It makes me mad that pain, emptiness, hurt and sadness exist because we chose our own selves and our own desires over the endless and beautiful love of our Emmanuel.
I have to imagine that these are similar emotions to what God felt watching His son on the cross. Ripped apart and beaten down, his Son hung there on a tree that He created. Again, we took what he called, “good,” and tainted it with our selfishness.
These thoughts make me hurt on the inside. They break my heart to pieces. Sometimes I am lost in the thoughts of the effects of sin on the earth. Shootings. Death. People fighting for all the wrong things.
So what, then, is the point of living?
God has called us to a life of joy. We just have to be willing to look for it in the right place. And quite honestly, when my heart hurts like it does now, I would almost rather stay here. I would almost rather wallow in my pain than look for the true purpose He has called me to. But I know that it is no kind of life to feel that way and so I will sit here and write what I know.
- I live in light of the most beautiful promise ever spoken: Restoration.
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
Revelation 21:3-5
We serve a God that doesn’t stop at salvation. He wants to restore us to the perfect state He created us in. He wants to come and live and dwell among us. He wants us to live and enjoy life and serve Him—forever. No more sin. No more anger.
- The pain we feel now doesn’t compare to the joy we will feel when we finally live in the reality of His constant presence.
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Romans 8:18
Perspective is key. If we want to understand how to live in the fullness of our purpose now, we have to remember that what we are living for is far beyond worth it.
- We do have things to live for now. And they do include beautiful moments full of contentment.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8
Power from the Holy Spirit is the single most amazing thing we could ever be given. The power and presence of God in our lives means we live with purpose. We live with strength. We live with excitement for the ways that God plans to further His kingdom in our lives.
Think back on a moment when you were truly happy. Did that moment include love? Joy? Peace and Patience? Kindness and goodness? Faithfulness? Gentleness or self-control?
The things that the Holy Spirit gives us are meant to fill us up. We are called to live in the JOY that comes from God’s gift. And when we are dried up and empty, we serve a God who makes this promise to those who serve Him:
The Lord will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; He will make her deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing.
Isaiah 51:3