How do I rid myself of the canyon of disappointment deep inside?

on Sep 15, 2023

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: I’ve been told that searching for new experiences will bring contentment. Even my doctor recommended expanding my “bucket list” to broaden my mind. I’ve been in many relationships, all ending in failure. I’ve had different careers to challenge me. I’ve even tried several different religions to help cleanse my foggy mind. I’ve created my own messes but don’t know how to rid myself of the canyon of disappointment deep inside. – M.L.

A: As the desire for experience increases, the false philosophers and false gods become acceptable. One scholar wrote, “As man searches for experiences, new leaders, and new hopes, there will be that continued desire to find an alternative route into what appears to be a dark future.”

From every culture, every country — from those who cannot read to Nobel Prize winners — there is the age-old phenomenon, of man searching and inquiring for life’s deeper and often hidden meaning.

In airports, on planes, in hotel lobbies across the world, people have serious questions about broken family relationships, ill health, or financial catastrophes. They often reveal empty souls.

Down deep, men and women want peace in their souls and will desperately try everything except Almighty God. Why? Human nature rebels against humbling itself before the One who came to save lost souls. Many people search for fulfillment while ignoring God. Some will spend a lifetime searching for something, never willing to acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ who said, “Search the Scriptures … which testify of Me” (John 5:39).

When a person truly searches for God with all his heart, God will reveal Himself in some way. The only answer to man’s search is found in Christ, for Jesus spoke of Himself as the answer to man’s quest: “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

========

(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)