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“Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life.”  John 6:68

You’ve probably heard it from many people in your life—believers and unbelievers alike, “How could a good God do this!?” And as a result of their anger, a shift occurs. Sometimes it’s gradual, a slow walking away. Other times, it’s like a slammed door in the face of the Almighty.

Maybe this is you. A hurt was experienced, and bitterness set in. Without forgiveness (toward another or self), the seed is planted. Soon, it’s rooted, settling into a seething (yet, oddly comfortable) anger that fashions a veil through which you see life. And certainly, you conclude, God is ultimately to blame.

But friend, God is never to blame. In fact, the Gardener of our soul is the only one who can free us from the agonizing entanglement we created. See, life was not meant to be hard or painful. God created it unspoiled, for our perfect enjoyment. But man, given free will to love and obey God’s Holy order, decided to pursue self-idolatry, breaking the relationship with the Creator. Because of this (sin), creation is now fallen—full of broken people running after other broken people and worldly things to find lasting peace. This never works though. People will fail us and hurt us. And if we turn to the toxic narrative of self-love, it’s like trying to pour yourself a glass of refreshing tea from an empty pitcher.

Nothing of this world can adequately fill the soul-level hole we all have. Instead, we must turn away from ourselves, others, and stuff and recognize there’s only one Way to peace, contentment, and joy: Jesus Christ. Relational restoration with God comes in believing the Gospel—that Jesus lived, died, and rose again to exchange our sin for His righteousness. When we put our faith in Jesus, we can rely on His completeness to replace our brokenness, emptiness, and selfishness. Because we are forgiven, we forgive. Because we’ve been given grace and mercy, we extend those to others. Because we are perfectly loved, we love.

Life is difficult and the world will have troubles—Jesus said so Himself. But He has overcome the world so that we can have peace and joy (John 16:33).

Sister, have you turned away from Him in anger or resentment? Are you desperately grasping for something or someone to be a balm for your pain? Have you bought into the lie that the answer is “within you”? Turn (or turn back) to Jesus today. He has not only made a way of eternal restoration with the Father, but He will help you walk through this world on your way Home. As He promises in Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

“Lord, help me to acknowledge the lies of this world, that hope and peace can be found in anything or anyone but You. And may the Truth of the Gospel always be on my lips: that there is nowhere else to turn but to You.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life