Empty Promises

While the world holds out the promise of happiness, fulfillment and satisfaction, the Bible warns us not to believe it. We live in a world’s system that tries desperately to convince us that if we just had a little more of what the world offers over here or what the world can provide us over there, then we would be truly joyful and happy.

The entire advertising industry works from this premise. They tell us to just imagine ourselves in the next car, moving in to the new neighborhood, on the next vacation, or clutching the next new gadget, then, they say, we will truly experience real living. It is then, they promise, that our hearts will be at rest, our desires will be fulfilled and our lives will be complete. We should know by now it’s just not so. God was careful to include in his inspired library the ultimate “been-there-done that” exhortation.

It’s called the book of Ecclesiastes, and if you have read it lately you know that no matter how much you’re tempted to buy the world’s line about real living and true happiness, God tells us we must not believe it. It is a lie that will only disappoint. As Augustine rightly said, “God has made us for himself, and our hearts are restless until we find rest in him.” Paul, in his poignant manner declares, “The world is crucified to me, and I to the world” (Galatians 6:14). As Asaph sang, “Whom have I in heaven but you, and earth has nothing I desire besides you” (Psalm 73:25). So let’s look past the empty lies of our world, and pursue with diligence the only reality that can grant us fulfillment, joy, satisfaction and peace.