We’ve all heard the motivational quotes. We see the Facebook posts going viral. Occasionally we even click the share button when something really “moves” us. The raw truth of the matter is that we often relate to these motivational quotes and sayings and use them as band-aids to cover the wounds we are left with from reality. We search for reprieve in the words of the world, the shared quotes on Facebook with a sunset background.
Too often these inspirational messages follow actions that are birthed by the world. We live comfortably in sin, realize something is wrong when our lives start to crumble, blame anything and anyone besides ourselves, and then seek more sin to try to find healing. Here is an example we have all witnessed. A relationship based on premarital sex and codependency goes south because it lacks true foundation, devastating breakup in which one or both parties feel as if their world has shattered, all the blame is placed on the other person, they rebound (and share inspirational quotes with their Instagram selfie) and nurse their heartache with wild partying or jumping into another unhealthy relationship.
Here is my primary issue with these quotes and messages: they are like trying to treat a cold with antibiotics. Sure, they may temporarily relieve the symptoms, but they won’t heal you. A virus is nasty and will run its course. Sin works like a virus. It can’t be cured with the antibiotics the world has to offer. In fact, the world doesn’t have a cure and never will. Terrible news, right?
There is a flip side to the coin. It isn’t glamorous, it isn’t popular, and most people don’t call it fun. There is a cure to be had for sin and true healing to be found for pain. It doesn’t come through philosophers or authors, but in the pages of your Bible. Rather than running to Google for quotes about love, look at the story displayed for you about Jesus. Instead of seeking answers from your friends about why your life is falling apart, find solace in Job. Praise the maker of the heavens like David did in the Psalms.
There IS an answer to your questions and there IS hope in the middle of your storms. You just have to be willing to seek it with reckless abandon and forget about being comfortable. Seeking Him is and should be uncomfortable. It is when we let go of ourselves fully and surrender to a life of uncomfortability that we find healing and restoration beyond what this world can offer.
My challenge for you is to stop, seek God, rest in Him. It is a terrifying thing to pray and ask Him to remove things that shouldn’t be in your life, but I promise you that when you come through the period of transformation, you won’t regret a single thing you have let go. He has to pour you out before you can be filled with Him.
