Experiencing God's Presence #241

The creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

Romans 8:20-21, NIV

If shalom is the fullness of life in God, its opposite is the frustration and futility we all feel from living in a broken world. Our longing for shalom shows up in that deep-down feeling that things aren’t right—that life isn’t working out the way we want it to, that we need to put our out-of-control existence into some kind of order. The angst we feel over our lack of fulfillment gnaws at us and prompts all kinds of why questions. We know this isn’t the way things were meant to be.

God subjects this world to futility and frustration without Him so we will seek the shalom that can be experienced with Him. If brokenness were comfortable, we could be content with it. We wouldn’t have the restlessness that sends us searching for more. We would never embark on a quest for meaning and purpose. Our emptiness becomes a blessing when it drives us toward the shalom of God’s Presence.

Let every ache, every pang of hunger, every frustration in life push you in the right direction. Some people wander from the God who allows futility, assuming it’s a sign of His lack of love—or even of His nonexistence. But hardships, obstacles, and frustrations are designed to draw you into His arms and His solutions. He offers His peace to those who seek it in Him. Every obstacle in life is designed to bring you close.

Lord, draw me. In my difficulties, let me not only seek You but also find You. Please show Yourself as the shalom I’ve been searching for.

From the book