Greetings,
Do you ever feel a little overwhelmed by a sense of the meaninglessness that surrounds us? At this time of year especially, the senses are overloaded. The sights, sounds and smells of the “Holiday Season” bombard us from all directions. It’s all designed to be appealing as we approach the world’s winter solstice celebration. Yet it seems that each day is negatively staged by reports of human conduct that we would not have thought possible a few years ago. Murder, hatred, suffering and the degradation of human life also impact the mind.
The Psalmist captures the meaninglessness of life in Psalm 49. With acknowledgement of the evil days and iniquity at his heels, he points out the futility of trusting in riches, that wise men die and all leave their wealth to others. All that men seek, – wealth, houses, land and name recognition — all amount to nothing. Both high and low, rich and poor all go to the grave and all they have sought for in life perishes. “Nevertheless man, though in honor, does not remain; He is like the beasts that perish” (Psalm 49:12). It is very sad that human life is so apparently pointless.
This world desperately needs to know the Father – to know that He created life for a purpose. Can we imagine a world where everyone has the opportunity to know God? To have minds open to truth, open to knowledge of a Father that created the heavens, earth and human life for a purpose? Do we begin each day by thanking Him for the direction He has given our lives? Do we have this world in mind when we pray each day, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”?
Read Psalm 49 and think about the meaninglessness of human effort bereft of understanding. “A man who is in honor, yet does not understand, Is like the beast that perishes” (Psalm 49:20). Then read the following Psalm – Psalm 50 –, which brings the focus to a meaningful relationship with God. “The Mighty One, God the Lord, He has spoken and called the earth … God will shine forth. Our God shall come, and not be silent …” (Psalm 50:1-3). What a privilege it is to know the Father and to be known by Him. Our lives are filled with rich purpose and meaning. “Gather My saints together to Me, Those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice” (Psalm 50:5).
We need to keep our focus on the positive purpose of God’s calling and not let the world’s meaninglessness drag us down, particularly at this time of the year. Let us stay firmly focused on “The Mighty One, God the Lord.”
Warm Regards,
Brian Orchard
