In our spiritual journey, we have many questions as we attempt to find meaning that goes above what we know. While it may feel intriguing to look for answers in different spiritual paths, it can also be dangerous. Curiosity can take us to practices and areas that are against our nature.
Before we go searching for what’s out there, let’s discover the truth in Jesus Christ, which will lead us to live in spiritual freedom, surpassing peace, discernment, and meaningful life.
The truth is actually not that far from us. The answers have already been written.
“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.”
Acts 17:24-25
Many religions were created by man. When we look beyond religion, we will find God.
The God we’re searching for was not created by humans and is not confined to a church. He has no beginning or end. Instead of believing that we’re on a mysterious spiritual journey, we must know that God always existed and already knows us, there is no mystery in finding him. In fact, he wants us to know him.
John 14:6 says: “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”
Jesus Christ made it clear that the only way to know God is through him.
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
Acts 4:12
This truth stands on its own, whether we believe it or not. No other person or object can replace Jesus.
John 17:3 says, “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”
When we choose to doubt that Jesus is the way, we can test the truth and ask God to make himself known. For example, we can say “God, I feel so empty and alone, I’m tired of feeling confused. It’s hard to believe that you’re bigger than I am. Have mercy over my life and make yourself known to me, satisfy my longing for more…”
“Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
John 6:35
Watch how God fulfills. We must believe that these words are not just phrases, but they hold truth and have life.
Hebrews 4:12 says: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
That’s where we will find true meaning. It’s understandable that we want something deeper than just knowing that Jesus Christ is the way to eternal life.
Where do we find the spiritual connection we long for?
In his presence. This may look different for every person because God establishes a personal connection with every individual. This intimate relationship is what brings fulfillment to our lives.
It may look like immersing ourselves in prayer time, where our soul will find joy, peace, satisfaction, etc. That’s where we can vent our needs to God, just like it says in Psalm 63:1
“You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.”
During an intimate time with God, we will find ourselves speaking about what really matters. Instead of putting our focus on worldly things, God will re-direct our eyes to Him.
Psalm 71:8 “My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long.”
It’s not just a connection we establish for a moment to make us feel more spiritual or whole. It’s a relationship that we can carry throughout the day. This relationship will bring us comfort when we’re alone, relief when we’re oppressed, joy when we’re upset, and God will become the center of our lives.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
In the presence of God, we can be honest. We can be ourselves without having to pretend like we’re put together. After all, God knows it all, so why would we try to hide how we feel?
Look at the way David, from the Bible, called out to God. David said exactly how he felt.
He expressed gratitude:
Psalm 63:3-4 says, “Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.”
When he felt unsettled, he turned to God.
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”
Psalm 42:11
When he felt drained from the worries of life, he turned to God.
Psalm 61:2 says: “From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”
The relationship we establish with God, through Jesus Christ, is what our soul is searching for. It’s what will fulfill us. If we choose to build a relationship with him today, we will find out it’s the truth we’ve longed for, but if we choose to look elsewhere we will continue searching for more in our spiritual journey because nothing else is meant to fulfill us.
Prayer to find God in your spiritual journey
Dear God, I don’t know if you’re real, but I’m turning to you because I’ve exhausted my options. I’m tired of looking for purpose in places that don’t fulfill me. I need you to show me if you’re really the answer. I know you’re bigger than my doubt, so help me, God. Your Word says that whoever comes to you will never be hungry or thirsty, and that’s exactly how I feel. My soul longs for meaning, and I’m tired of searching for answers in different religions. I put my hope in you today. In the name of Jesus, Amen.