Living vs. Surviving
In a world saturated with information, where every question seemingly has an instant answer and every opinion demands data-driven validation, it's easy to fall prey to the illusion of control. As author John Eldridge sagely observes, "We're all Disciples of the internet." This age has subtly, yet powerfully, conditioned us to believe that we must have everything "figured out," with a mountain of data to back it up. But what if this pursuit of certainty is robbing us of the very essence of life itself?
The truth is, the world was not meant to be merely survived, but lived. So much of our experience is based upon perception, and it’s high time we got our minds right. We don't, in fact, need to figure everything out. This realization is not an invitation to ignorance, but a liberation from the suffocating burden of trying to know everything.
The wisdom of ancient scriptures echoes this sentiment, offering a different narrative to our modern anxieties:
Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." This cornerstone verse encourages a radical shift from self-reliance to divine reliance, suggesting that true clarity comes not from our own intellectual prowess, but from surrender.
Proverbs 16:9: "A person's heart plans his course, but the Lord directs his steps." While our intentions and efforts are important, this proverb reminds us that a higher power ultimately guides our journey.
Proverbs 20:24: "A person's life is determined by the Lord, not by their own efforts." This isn't a call to passivity, but a comfort that even amidst our striving, there's a divine purpose at play.
Joshua 1:9: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." This powerful affirmation speaks directly to our fears, reminding us that we are never alone in our uncertainties.
We have the great privilege of living on planet Earth, a place of immense beauty, profound mystery, and unpredictability. Life doesn't have to make sense, nor should it. In fact, embracing the unknowable nature of existence can unlock a deeper, richer experience.
So, how do we navigate this paradox of striving yet surrendering, living fully while letting go of the need for total control? The answer lies in three fundamental callings:
1. We are Called to Trust.
In an age that prioritizes facts and data-driven conclusions, the concept of trust can feel counter-cultural. Yet, at its core, trust is the foundation of a life lived with peace and purpose. It's about acknowledging that there is a God that guides us with wisdom beyond our immediate grasp.
Trust isn't passive resignation; it's an active choice to believe in something greater than ourselves.
2. We are Called to Move.
Life is not a rubrics cube to be solved, but a journey to be experienced. Over-analysis can lead to paralysis by analysis. We can become so consumed with "figuring it out" that we fail to actually do anything. Move for Jesus! Have a purpose behind your movement.
This calling to move is about action, even when the path isn't perfectly clear.
3. We are Called to Serve.
Amidst our individual quests for understanding and control, it's easy to lose sight of our interconnectedness. But true fulfillment often comes from looking beyond ourselves.
Serving goes beyond grand gestures; it's about contributing, in whatever way we can, to the well-being of others and the world around us for the Glory of God.
Look to the words of Joseph in Genesis 50:19-20: "But Joseph said to them, ‘Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today."
Joseph's story is a testament to the fact that even when faced with betrayal, hardship, and insurmountable obstacles, a higher purpose can be at work. His ability to see God's hand in his suffering, and to use his experience for the greater good, is a powerful reminder that surrender to a divine plan can transform trouble into triumph.
Life is an adventure. By trusting, moving, and serving, we reclaim our lives from the secular current and step into the profound privilege of truly living.