What do you want? What does anybody really want? Of course, the answer is life. And what is life? It is vitality, energy, freedom, growth. It is a deep sense of well-being. It is the elimination of all feelings of deadness and depression. It is being fully vital and vigorous. It is the satisfaction of creating something, giving something, doing something. Real life is a gift from God. Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).
Unfortunately, many people do not have this kind of life. They are filled with gloom and apprehension. They suffer fear, discouragement and frustration. Their spirits have been sapped of vitality.
It is terribly tragic to die while you live. Thankfully, it is also quite unnecessary. You are meant to be fully alive in Christ, “for in him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28). You are designed to have vigor of body, mind and spirit throughout your years. That is God’s plan and desire for you. Knowing that, you can be confident that you are not as far from fullness of life as you might fear.
Here are some simple steps you can take to find your own wellspring of vitality:
1. Get outside yourself.
A person wrapped up in himself makes a very small package! When you do something for another person, you always feel better. Be careful to “look out not only for your own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4).
2. Get interested.
Practice becoming curious about people, books, the news, the view out your window—even if it requires an act of will to do so. If you really work at this, your interests will become real, and you will create a life full of zest and vibrancy.
3. Realize that life is all about overcoming sorrow and trouble.
Jesus told his followers, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). God will help you face—victoriously—whatever comes you way.
4: Remember: To know God is to live.
The fundamental meaning of life is to learn how to live. And that is possible only by finding God, for God alone can satisfy your deepest desire. “But now, this is what the LORD says—he who created you…‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine’” (Isaiah 43:1). Why try living away from the Source of all life?
