Finding Fulfillment As a Solitary Individual

It has been my experience that I uncover no larger satisfaction and pleasure that pursuing Christ, so I would simply call myself a Christian Hedonist. The Bible talks a fantastic deal about self-denial but it is not for its very own sake. It has a objective. Like the mountain climber who endures struggling, his joy and fulfillment at achieving the major of the mountain is more than sufficient to compensate for the agony along the journey. CS Lewis points out that needing our personal great or pleasure is not anti-Christian:

“If there lurks in most modern day minds the notion that to desire our have fantastic and earnestly to hope for the satisfaction of it is a negative factor, I post that this notion has crept in from Kant and the Stoics and is no part of the Christian religion.” [1]

When I was not long ago widowed and understanding to be solitary again, I came into a year where I did not really feel pleased with God or existence in basic. I knew I was in a harmful put: It is a place wherever other issues can conveniently consider unhealthy significance in my lifestyle and coronary heart. I was hunting for fulfillment in the pleasures of daily life themselves. As a substitute of undertaking almost everything for the glory of God, the place glorifying him in all factors fully satisfies my coronary heart (1 Cor 10:31), I commenced to appear to the points them selves to fulfill me. Anything will get topsy-turvy. Aged assumed styles, things from my earlier that I considered that experienced very long been dealt with maintain rearing their hideous head. Why was I in this terrible “head-area” and how could I get out of it? I believe even in my grief I could be contented with God.

It was only when I read through C S Lewis’ phrases to demonstrate what glory was, that I realised what it was I was longing for and how it was however obtainable to me as a one particular person.

” To make sure you God…to be a serious ingredient in the divine happiness…to be cherished by God, not just pitied, but delighted in as an artist delights in his get the job done or a father in a son-it seems impossible, a excess weight or stress of glory which our feelings can hardly maintain.” [2]

Some of the most fulfilling work up I had been accomplishing was linked with staying a spouse. Adapting to the decline of my spouse was specifically difficult since our lives experienced been so entwined. I experienced felt that God was happy with my do the job and I experienced also relished the good satisfaction of currently being a delight to my spouse. Now that was all gone. I essential to inquire God’s assist to discover the new perform that He experienced geared up right before hand for me to do that He would delight in ( Eph 2:10). There I would come across the gratification I was longing for, to be delighted in. I wanted to look for His affirmation. If it came from other individuals that would be excellent but I resolved it was not beneficial to look for it from anyone but God Himself.

When I trustworthy God that He had other function for me that would be as equally enjoyable and affirming, this considered turned my way of escape from this risky spot. When I trustworthy Him for the affirmation I required, I grew to become a lot less needy and as a result contented. I could now seek Him and His will for my daily life (Psalm 34:10). Are you absolutely satisfied in God, are you seeking to be and do all that God has for you? Is He primary you to new assignments and new friendships that will present possibilities to remember to God and be entirely satisfied in Him? Singleness is not a state the place we hold out for life to start off. Lifestyle is now, currently.

[1] and [2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Weight_of_Glory_and_Other_Addresses.

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