Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. (Ps. 40:4)
Last year, I took a break from social media—Facebook, Instagram, Twitter. All of it. These platforms certainly have their positives, and my work life depends on them. But I’m prone to comparison and self-doubt. The images and messages had only stirred up an unholy discontent in my heart, and my soul needed some space. I needed to clear my head of all the voices asking for my allegiance.
A thousand voices vie for our attention every day. They tout solutions to our problems, a resting place for our trust. They speak of the gods of self, health, wealth, and even humanity itself. But sooner or later, on their own, these things fail us. They dry up the moment pride causes us to stumble, our bodies age, debt racks up, or we read about yet another child victimized by human trafficking.
God alone is good, and his voice is the one that we must work to hear and be ready to follow. Yes, he might use a healthy self-image, good stewardship of our bodies, generosity, and virtuous ideals in his favor. But they are just means to an end. These things alone cannot save us. For it is God who sees us, pursues us, and loves us. Only in him can we find the wholeness our hearts crave.
Carefully consider who is speaking into your heart and life.
Sarah E. Westfall writes and speaks about seeing God in the beautiful, broken, and in-between places in life. She resides in Indiana with her husband, Ben, and their four boys.
© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
