Yesterday, I posted new shirts on my instagram to try and raise a good portion of the rest of my funds (yay!). The shirt says “why are you striving?” and on the bottom it says, “when will you be satisfied?”; these shirts hold a very special place in my heart and I wanted to go a little further into depth on what they mean.
A few months ago, some lyrics in a song asked “why have you been striving?”, and the words really made a home in my heart, as I pictured Papa asking me that question, whispering to me gently that my earthly striving will never fill me up, and that quite frankly, it is pointless.
We spend so much time being imprinted with the notion that we must strive to succeed, that we must devote our lives to a goal that will take up our hopes and aspirations. While striving to accomplish something isn’t negative in itself, the way in which it becomes our sole focus, the achievement that defines us as a failure or success, can become idolized in ways that distract us from truth and leave us empty. We hear so often how those who are incredibly wealthy still feel like something is missing, which is why they try to fill that void with huge yachts, fancy parties, and designer clothes. We all strive to feel satisfied-to have a fullness in our soul that leaves us feeling successful and accomplished.
What do we do when the thing we have dedicated years of our lives to achieve, the thing that our mind has reigned in on as a defining goal in our future, leaves us empty? You could argue that your goals and desires aren’t high enough, that you need to aim for more, or you could have your heart opened to the reality that the things of this earth will never give you anything more than temporary gratification. No amount of money, degrees, titles, cars, or compliments will leave you full. You will always find yourself striving to just obtain one more thing, hoping that then you will be content.
How relieving is it to know that when we step into relationship with Christ, we don’t have to strive anymore? We will constantly be filled with Holy Spirit, who never leaves us empty, who promises to give us comfort, peace, joy, and an abundance of satisfaction. Why have we been striving to achieve things that won’t fill us up? Why don’t we give our passions, goals, and desires to Papa, who will surpass them in ways we never could even dream of?
I find so much peace in knowing that while it is amazing for me to have goals, when I place them in the hands of the Father, I don’t have to strive anymore. I know that He is going to surpass my desires and He is going to have His way in my life, which is so much better than anything I could try to do for myself. We are told that in Him, we lack nothing (go read Psalm 23). When we lack nothing, we can find satisfaction in the promise that His map for our life is greater than anything we could strive for.
These shirts are meant to start a conversation, to be vulnerable and open to those who compliment the shirt or ask what it means. Asking them what they are striving for, and when they think they will be satisfied. Through this conversation, it is an open door to talking about Jesus, how through His blood, we lack nothing, and we can find rest in who He is and who we are in Him. We have no need to strive as we can rest and find satisfaction in Him. It can be hard to strike up random conversations about Jesus, but this shirt is a chance to have a reason, to share the love of Christ, and to fulfill the Great Commission locally all through two simple questions.
Now I ask you, to reflect and see if there are things in your life that you need to surrender to Papa. Find satisfaction in the unknown, be content with the fact that while you have goals, there is no need to strive and idolize them, because when your heart is with His heart, everything you desire will be surpassed.
So. Why are you striving? When will you be satisfied?
