Temptation to Trust in Lesser Things

Last night during our family worship time, we sang. Singing is nothing unusual, but it was the balm God used for my weary soul. A reminder that “may it be, come what may, that I rest all my days in the goodness of Jesus.”

You see, I have been tempted to trust in lesser things, and far too often have I functionally given in to those temptations. Good things, mind you, but things that were never intended to save me, try as they may. Simply distractors. Diverting my focus. Stealing my affections when I—for even a moment—consider their worth to be paramount to Christ. These good things meant to point me to the unfailing promises of Christ and given by a good God, but I settle for what those things provide on the surface. Certainly a faulty substitute for which no substitute exists. And chances are you, too, have been lured by similar images and voices you digest on instagram, interact with on Facebook, consume on blogs, and entertain on podcasts.

It’s not the removing of chemical substances from my products that renews my youth like the eagle’s.
Or partaking of a particular medicine that can save me.
It’s not allegiance to a political party. Or politician that restores my soul.
It’s not intentionally resisting certain medications that can forgive my sins.
It’s not following notable accounts that covers all my iniquity.
It’s not science. Or holistic wellness. Or therapy.
It’s not a specific diet that can heal all my diseases.
It’s not a customized workout routine that redeems my life from the pit.
It’s not aligning with a theological camp that can crown me with steadfast love and mercy.
It’s not obtaining more educational degrees that holds my hope.
Or reading more books. Or writing more blogs.
It’s not homeschooling my children that can save me.
Or doing, saying, being a part of, or avoiding of all the thousands of other things vying for my affections.

None of those things were meant to satisfy the deepest longing for my soul. And day in and day out, we feast our eyes and set our hearts on things that make promises they can never keep. And while those things may in fact deepen my love of the Savior who satisfies and may even, by God’s grace, prolong my physical life a few days or years; hope that is rooted in those things will fall miserably short and leave me unsatisfied still.

“Come and find what this world cannot offer. Come and find your joy here complete.” Nothing but the blood of Jesus can save. “Come and find you hope now in Jesus, He is all He said He would be. Grace is overflowing from the Savior’s heart. Rest here in His wondrous peace.”

So weary soul of mine and like mine—turn your eyes upon the goodness of Jesus. He is the only One that can satisfy. He is the only One that can save. He is the only One where unfailing and unfading love is true. Rest all your days in the goodness of Jesus.