“Is this all there is?” Countless people have gotten to some point in the middle of life and asked that question. That’s because life can fall far short of expectations, and hearts can feel awfully unfulfilled with daily responsibilities and limitations. If you’ve ever felt like something’s missing, it’s a normal experience for us fallen human beings. And, surprisingly to many Christians, it isn’t satisfied simply by a belief in Jesus, good theology, church attendance, or decent relationships with family and friends.
No, even as a believer, there’s something more. We see glimpses of it in passages like these: that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend . . . the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:17-19 nkjv). I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord (Philippians 3:8 niv). “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me” (John 17:22-23 niv).
These passages are not given to frustrate us. They are open invitations to dive deep into the Spirit and not come up until we’ve discovered eternal mysteries of the divine-human relationship. In other words, if you’ve ever felt like something is missing, maybe it’s the hunger to experience God in ways that take you far outside your comfort zone. Perhaps it’s the drive to take the extravagance of these words at face value.
Pursue God relentlessly, knowing that he has already pursued you and invited you deeper. Be willing to let go of whatever is holding you back. Vast treasures are awaiting your daily, persistent response. Ask God to make these things real and, over time, they will become more real than you ever hoped for.
