Restlessness

By Christian Manullang, Indonesia

“Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “completely meaningless!”
What do people get for all their hard work under the sun?
Generations come and generations go, but the earth never changes.
—Ecclesiastes 1:2-4—

Dear Friends,

Lately, I’ve been wondering: what’s my main goal in life? I’m still looking for a new job and it’s hard to find one. But what’s next after getting that dream job? Climb up the corporate ladder, get married, have a child, buy a house? Only to face death at the end of it all?

I’ve lived the life of a prodigal son, desiring God’s gifts but refusing to make a commitment to Him. But even when I was far away from Him, He still cared for me.

God gave me family and close friends who stood by me to support and encourage me when life is at a low ebb. Through their care and concern, I’m reminded of God’s long-suffering love.

In response, I took time to take stock of my life and reorder my priorities. I’ve arrived at this conclusion: it is only when I live for the praise and honor of God alone do I truly lived out what I’m created for. Yup, this is what my life is about and I’m learning how to live this way.

I’m penning this letter because I know my struggle is not unique. Many people are questioning about their main goal in life. After getting that dream job or dream girl, something is still amiss. There is an emptiness, an insatiable thirst which neither success nor wealth could satisfy. Blaise Pascal, the 17^th century French mathematician and philosopher, offered an explanation. He said there’s a God-shaped vacuum in every human heart. Deep within us is a restless desire to know the One who made us. We want to discover the purpose He has for our existence in His vast universe. And even though we may suppress or deny that longing within us, it will surface again and again.

I hope you would consider your main aim in life and come to the realization that only in Jesus do we have everything we desire—and infinitely more. If you have already found your purpose in God, I’d like to encourage you to proclaim this good news to your loved ones. Invite them to the eternal life which Jesus offers.

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

Warmest regards,
Xtian Manullang