Forthright Fixation

The powerful gust spun her around till she faced the bright sun again, her hair flipping violently in her eyes. She found her balance and once again started running. “I’ll catch you,” she muttered, smiling. Sprinting through the tall grass, her gaze burned the air with determination. She had been running for nearly an hour, and was resolved to continue, despite the pulsing pain in her legs. Her heaving lungs begged for rest. She stopped and put her arms on her knees, breathing heavily. As she rested, an unexpected burst of wind slapped her on the back, nearly knocking her over. She stumbled, letting out an exasperated giggle. Turning around she whispered, “There you are… I’m still gonna get you.” She raced wildly towards the gust of wind. As she ran, two more currents from nowhere sandwiched her on either side. “Two of you!” She shouted. She pursued the one on her right, running until she slammed head on into a wall of wind. The forceful breeze thinned and whipped past. Now she was frustrated. She ran back the other way, chasing, panting, sweating. Yet another gust from seemingly beneath her scooped her up and twirled her around in its transient hand. She sprawled out her arms across the air to keep from toppling. Though fatigued from the race, she made herself go on, sprinting, believing she would catch it. She stretched out her arms in front of her and groped at the air as she ran. Anger rose within her. “Why can’t I catch it?” Finally, she stumbled to her knees and, dropping her head into her hands, began to cry. The breeze whispered through her hair, tangling and teasing it in triumph.

Meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

How often I’ll chase after that which is not only illusive, but exhausting, unfulfilling, and completely void of purpose. Chasing wind. Silly, isn’t it?

You and I were created to magnify and enjoy our Creator. Any ambition except living to glorify God wholly is as pointless as pursuing an invisible current, and seeking satisfaction in anything else is just as frustrating.

In my own life lately, God has been lovingly driving me to my knees, revealing how often my wayward heart chases after man’s approval. I think that if I can somehow catch enough approval, I’ll be satisfied. The pursuit is exhausting.

What does your heart chase after? It may not be bad in itself, but do you expect to be fulfilled in catching it? Breezes were meant to pass, not linger. They can refresh, but not fill.

“Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.”
Isaiah 55:2

Let’s run after what is real; eat what is food; desire what will satisfy. There is only One who promises all these things, and He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. So before we let another minute of the day slip by, let’s forsake our foolish pursuits, run to the Savior, and embrace His invitation afresh.

“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.”
Matthew 11:28-29

Filed under: Christian Living, Knowing God, Satisfied