Jesus came to give us life. Not just an average kind of existence, but a rich and satisfying life. That means we’re supposed to thrive, not just survive.
But many of us are going from day to day without much sense of direction or fulfilment. Although we have good days, they aren’t necessarily great. And although we have ups, there are too many downs.
Or perhaps you are happy but deep down feel like something is missing. You love God and are grateful for His goodness. However, although you can’t quite put your finger on the issue, you know there’s meant to be more to life than this.
Here are two reasons why we sometimes lack fulfilment:
1. The haze on our horizon
When we are self-conscious, it skews our vision. If we worry what other people think, it puts a lid on our limits. While we are insecure, we end up looking in the wrong direction.
One of the reasons I love to see people get healed from hurts and set free from fears, is that it clears away the haze on the horizon so that they can start to see their calling more clearly.
The Bible says that without vision, the people perish. God has a perfect plan for each one of our lives. As we deal with inner issues, the invisible veil is taken away and we start to see God’s vision for our lives more clearly. It’s like going from a black & white existence to a life full of colour.
2. Weighed down
The vast majority of us have no idea just how much hurt we we are carrying around. Stuff happens and we just carry on. We think we’re fine but we’re really weighed down.
Buried sadness from bygone days overlaid with disappointments and discouragement stop us from enjoying life the way where’re supposed to. It’s all too easy to play down pain or ignore our inner issues, but it all takes its toll and hinders our happiness.
However, when we allow the Lord to shine His light into the depths of our hearts and really heal, it’s like a load is lifted off our shoulders. There’s a joy that springs forth.
After the bulk of my healing had started to come to an end, I remember noticing a new peace. It’s exhausting when you’re insecure and it’s horrible feeling that you constantly have to please – or appease – people. For the longest time, I had been by bewildered by both.
So when a deep sense of security grew up in my newly healed heart, the relief and freedom were phenomenal. I was able to look ahead and see my destiny gradually unfold before my eyes. The sense of fulfilment was, and continues to be, magnificent.
I don’t know where you are on your journey. I encourage you to do one thing: keep allowing the Lord to work within until you experience genuine security, joy and fulfilment. And then don’t stop!
If you would like the Holy Spirit to rejuvenate you from the inside out, I encourage you to read (and then re-read) our books. And come (or come back) to Healed for Life. You will be amazed at the depth of restoration and refreshing you will receive.
Hi Jo,
I met you in Fort Lauderdale at the Bonaventure event. Today I feel as if I am the worst parent in the world. My mother took her
own life when I was 10 yrs of age. I then raised my little brother and sister mostly on my own. I was much too young and screamed at them quite a bit. Mostly our of hurt and frustration. I had my children late in life. My son when I was 38 and my daughter when I was
43. Right now, I feel in crisis with my son. He is a senior in High school and he is a very unmotivated young man. I start out everyday being kind and patient. His response to me is quite negative. He frustrates me to no end. I want to give up. I was so motivated as a kid and did EVERTHING on my own. no one had to ask me….I knew what to do. I was so strong and ambitious. why is my son so lazy?
why is he so disrespectful?? I say , “fine, go out there on your own and see what it’s like!!!” He has no gratitude and I feel like I am a nag all the time. I want to give up. Lord help me…..
I am so sorry to hear about your very difficult journey. I know that as you allow God to really heal your heart from the pain of the past, you will find life today easier than it is right now. I do hope you’re able to come along to Healed for Life in December. You can find details on our website jonaughton.com. I believe it would give you the turn around that you need. With much love