I've thought a lot lately about how often we search for some kind of certainty in the world. And, if we cannot find it, we retreat into finding some safe alternative that gives at least a glimpse of the dream we were once searching for. Out of fear, insecurity, and doubt we (myself included) seem to constantly be scrambling for certainty, security, and stability.
I see this as people plan for their futures...they try to find an investment plan that has zero risk with as much reward as possible. They play it safe in order to "secure" what they have. Parents tighten their hold on their kids because they are so scared of anything bad ever happening to them. Not to mention people will stay in the same job year after year and hate it because the income is stable, they know what to expect, and it's "tolerable." And it isn't always in dramatic ways. It can be as simple as how we relate to our spouse, siblings, and coworkers. We find a routine that "works" and even though it isn't what we had dreamed of, we stick with it because, well, it's what we know. And while I'm speaking about people in general, I know this is true of me as well. I am inclined to not have "that conversation" because I know it will bring conflict...and conflict is unpredictable. If I keep my mouth shut, I know the relationship won't be all I want it to be, but at least there will be something resembling a relationship present. If I have "that conversation," there's no telling what might happen! The lure of certainty, predictability, and security keep me from experiencing the depth of relationship that only comes after conflict has been resolved.
Don't get me wrong, there are times when I'm glad people search for some measure of security. I'm glad that the people who built my house tried to create a "secure" foundation and strong structure. I'm glad I started planning for retirement early and I'm just as glad that I didn't put that money in frivolous investments. And there are times in my relationships I need to be "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." But those things are a mixture of preparation and wisdom rather than a pursuit of security and certainty. Wisdom and preparation help me achieve the dreams God has given me in the best way and in the best timing. Pursuing security and certainty lure me in to giving up those God given dreams for something less in order to avoid fear.
But even though certainty is alluring, it is a flat out myth. I have never found a "risk free" investment. I've never heard of doctors giving 100% guarantees that your surgery will come out fine. I've never heard of a house that a tornado can't take down, termites can't eat, and that real estate market can't devalue. And I've never heard of anything worth pursuing that did not involve risk. Certainty is a myth. We are guaranteed nothing. And all the things we do to try to desperately hold on to certainty and security are offerings to idols who can never promise us anything. It is sad to think of how much energy we expel every day just to keep that fear at bay.
The only certainty we have is in our relationship with God. We can ALWAYS trust that He is GOOD even when things around us are bad. We can ALWAYS know that He is with us...even when we can't see, feel, or experience it the way we would like to. So, as you attempt to plan for your financial futures, let God guide you. As you relate to your parents, spouse, siblings, friends, or the random dude on the street, don't walk around on egg shells afraid of what might happen...trust that God is with you, He is enough, and He will still be there no matter how "that conversation" goes.
And as you look at your life, your dreams, and the things that you really want in life, don't dock your boat. Don't settle for second place just because it's easier or you have a better shot at it. Go for the dream 100% and if you wind up in second place at least you will never have to wonder what would have happened if you tried just a little harder. I think my greatest fear in life is reaching the end of my life and upon reviewing my life I ask myself, "What if I had done more, given more, pursued that dream, or risked myself more." I can handle the idea of not measuring up....but the idea of regretting never getting in the race is terrifying!
Your dreams are too important, too valuable, and too meaningful to be "settled" for. You are too important, valuable, and worthy for God to ever give up part way on the dreams He gave you. If He is willing to give His all for you, He won't give up on you either. So, don't give up on the dreams you've been called to out of fear. Trust the One who called you and never give up!
No comments:
Post a Comment