DailyConnections.net

TUESDAY THOUGHT 3/31/09

Soul Healing
 
We all seek peace, joy, happiness, escape from pain.  It’s a universal human drive.  However, I know hundreds of people who spend their time treating the symptoms, not the root cause of their angst, misery and unhappiness.  They seek it in the temporary relief of a strong drink, spending money, a warm companion to chase away the loneliness of the dark, the runner’s high, or perhaps an egoistic power trip. 
 
Been there, done that.  But these days I treat the disease, not the symptom.  The disease — and I articulate it poorly — is a hole in the soul, an incompleteness, an ignorance only made worse by seeking answers in shallow, temporary answers.  The cure?  Oh, that would be God’s way, the only way that, ultimately, makes sense and that leads to life-affirming, positive results … not just short-term feel-good fixes.  All I know is that in God’s Word is the ONLY place I’ve found that wondrous, blessed peace and purpose and clear-headed joy and understanding that goes far, far, far beyond the mind- and soul-numbing pursuits of pain relief.
 
My point:  Lovers leave (or often disappoint), booze wears off, riches flee and power fails.  We can check out all the other empty-promise options … or we can go right to Door Number One and open our hearts to the joy and peace that exceeds all understanding.  Peace be with you.  — jri
 
    “‘May those who love you be secure.
May there be peace within your walls
    and security within your citadels.’
For the sake of my brothers and friends,
    I will say, ‘Peace be within you.’”
        –    King David
               (Psalm 122:6-8)