Youth of the Nation Sample

More than This

Some people avoid the news. They don’t want to hear it. They are tired of the terrible things that happen in the world. They don’t want negativity. They want to be distracted. They want to be numb. They want to be entertained.

Other people are obsessed with the news. They want to hear all the gossip and gory details; they want to gawk at the pictures. They might say they want to make sense of things, but it is impossible. Accidents, blame, crime, disasters, emergencies: there’s a whole alphabet, an entire vocabulary to feed their fears and maximize their misery.

Whatever our own choice is, we can’t stay there. We’re human. Our feelings change. We get bored, tired, sleepy, hungry. We hurt, we cry, we love, we laugh. Sometimes we wish we didn’t feel things so deeply, but our feelings are a gift. They mean we care. They tell us that there is more to life, more to everything, more than what we see on the surface. Our feelings hint at a deeper reality: that change is possible. That things can be better. That life means something. That it is valuable. That it is precious.

Everyone has trouble. Tragedy is inevitable. Problems persist. But Jesus promises more.He told His followers: “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). What things? Not only the things we need, but those that bring meaning. The ones that say there is more to life. Here’s another of Jesus’ promises: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that [you] may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).In Him, we can have peace; we don’t need to be afraid (John 14:27). In Him, we are overcomers (John 16:33).

Only God can make us whole. He gives us hope. God is our answer. If we seek Him, He helps us. If we draw near to Him, He draws near to us (James 4:8). He will guide and strengthen us, meet our needs, and satisfy our longings.