Finding steadfast joy in life begins with knowing your place in the Universe with promise. Faith comes from knowing God IS and God rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Knowing this transforms our view of everything else in our life. No longer can I believe that life is by random chance, when, I believe that God IS Sovereign Creator, the Being without which no other being can exist; who rules supreme with righteousness, justice and love. How can I question He who has promised to fit everything together for my good, who willingly moves all of heaven and earth; that I might see Him as my greatest treasure and find in Him my greatest joy. Furthermore, I have the choice to choose the Great lie of Satan, fighting for my importance; or to begin anew with this truth: God IS.
I began this series declaring that the power to reject the null hypothesis of life, is knowing God IS–the Great I AM. The null hypothesis being the belief that everything is by chance. God is the power to reject the null hypothesis; because His Sovereign provision of my life, means my life is never by chance. Then, we looked at Being and Nothingness. My being cannot fully exist outside of my Creator’s pleasure for it to. Because my being is found in Him, I recognize my nothingness without Him.
We have explored some of the characteristics of God–a part of His Being: Perfect Righteousness, Justice, and Love. Knowing these truths are central to our faith in Him and discovering our Place on this earth. Furthermore, knowing our place comes with a promise of His providing all that we need by His great riches in Glory. He promises to Be all that we need, to guide us, transform us, and to bring us into His Joy with eternal life in Him. God IS our hope, our joy, our provider, our protector and our guide.
THE GREAT LIE THAT BRINGS DESPAIR
Most of society spreads and believes the lie that all begins with individuals learning to stand firm on believing themselves to be “I AM”. We want to believe that the universe revolves around, “me”. Humanistic Psychology has penetrated our society, our churches, and our schools. We are to be politically correct and do all that we can to build the self’s ego; as though, each person is their own god. People believe this to be a new, evolved ideology; although, it is the same lie Satan told Eve.
One of the gravest results of society’s great lie comes when an individual faces their own frailties, failures, or circumstances don’t work out. Fear, despair, and hopelessness then overcome the person. Their anxiety forces them to seek out safe places to try and hide, hoping to avoid conflict. Many times, that leads to either suicide, drug addiction, or violence.
Instead, when I know that my place is found in my realizing my own weakness and nothingness; then, I find my Being in God. In Him, I find purpose and newfound Position of Strength, Hope and Joy as His Beloved Child. Everything changes from hopeless to great hope, despair to Joy, and nothingness to true Being; because, He gives me a new meaning for life.
C.S. LEWIS WROTE:
“What Satan put into the heads of our remote ancestors was the idea that they could “be like gods”—could set up on their own as if they had created themselves—be their own masters—invent some sort of happiness for themselves outside God, apart from God. And out of that hopeless attempt has come nearly all that we call human history—money, poverty, ambition, war, prostitution, classes, empires, slavery—the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy. God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.” C. S. Lewis From Mere Christianity
The great lie has not changed over the ages. Indeed, we have merely given it a new name. Still the great lie cannot bring us contentment; because, happiness, peace, joy, love, beauty, and light do not exist except by the Grace of God that reaches out to all men. Because of Grace, He allows every one of us to see a glimpse of His truth and then allows us to choose Him or the great lie.
When I focus upon me, as though I am; I begin to focus on only my feelings, my desires, my pleasures, my success, and my importance. That always leads ultimately to self-centered life; which ultimately leads to isolation and despair. Our modern positive thinking gurus say that it will lead to success. However, without God being the only I AM; the great lie leads to social chaos, despair, and failure. Indeed, that ideology lead to the crumbling of many great societies over the course of history.
CHOOSING NOTHINGNESS, FINDING FULL BEING
In God, the opposite is true; because, God IS. Therefore, those who truly find steadfast joy both in this life and eternity are those who learn to embrace their own nothingness in this universe. Then, they find their being in God, by faith; because, He is the only true source of our being. This concept is in direct opposition of what society’s great lie would tell you; because, society tells you your power comes by believing you are the center of all your world. You have a choice here! Choose God as Supreme Lord of your life; or continue believing the great lie that you are the center of your universe. Choosing God will lead to great happiness, joy, and hope. Otherwise, choosing the great lie leads to ultimate despair.
Jesus spoke these words which I want you to ponder:
MATTHEW 5:3-12
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
concluding tweets
[bctt tweet=”Choose to believe the Great lie of Satan or begin anew with this truth: God IS” username=”effiedarlene”]
[tweetthis]The great lie says ‘I’ am everything. Truth says GOD IS only in Him I am[/tweetthis]
[bctt tweet=”Focusing on self exaltation leads to a life of lonely despair, God exaltation brings love and joy” username=”effiedarlene”]
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.