Where To Look

750 years before Christ, the nation of Israel was in bad shape.  Sinful behavior had left them a small, weak and desperate nation.  They were ripe for destruction and they knew it. In the midst of the craziness, they craved security, stability, and a sense of genuine joy.  God told them they could find all those things in him, but they didn’t listen. Instead, they turned to deception and violence.  They made treaties with heathen nations like Assyria to feel more secure.  They traded olive oil to Egypt to gain their favor and feel more protected. They looked everywhere but the Lord to find happiness and joy.  They never found what they craved. Instead, the lies, treaties, and sinful pursuits only accelerated their destruction.

The nation of Israel is not unique. We all want security, stability, and genuine joy.  I want the security of knowing no matter what happens tomorrow, I will be okay.  I want stability in life even through the challenges that come my way. I want a deep sense of joy and happiness that isn’t dependent on my circumstances.  My guess is you want those things too.  But where do we find them?

They’re not found in lies or deceptions, treaties or human relationships. They’re not found in bank accounts or insurance policies, vacations or earthly pleasures. There’s only one place to fine them. In the manger, and then pinned to a tree; in the grave and then alive to see. God himself lived, died and rose as your substitute to give you what you crave. Salvation in Jesus gives you security, stability, and genuine joy.

No matter what comes tomorrow, even if it’s my last breath, I will be okay.  That’s real security, and it’s found only in Jesus. God rules all things and will never leave my side. That’s real stability, and it’s found only in Jesus.  My circumstances will change but I will always be a child of God.  That’s genuine joy, and it’s found only in Jesus.  

Don’t look anywhere else.

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” - Acts 4:12

Where To Look