Seeking More Fullness of Life

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. - John 10:10

What kind of life did Jesus come for us to have? He said it was the ‘full life’ but does that mean it is the good life? Does God want us to be happy after all?

In church yesterday we started off by asking the kids if they thought God wanted us to be happy. Oceana pretty much brought the house down when she got up, took the mic, and without hesitation said with absolutely clarity and conviction, “I think God wants us to be happy because God loves us.” There wasn’t a whole lot to say after that.

Except that there was. What about suffering? And what about the nuances of happiness, as in, are we talking about pleasurableness or are we talking about feeling fulfilled our are we talking about sustained meaningfulness? The questions don’t invalidate Oceana’s answer, but they do suggest that there may be age appropriate work to be done for those of us older than than second grade. We’re still working through a pandemic, after all, and anyone who suggests that happiness is readily available without facing loss head-on is clearly out to lunch.

So talk with Jesus today about this fullness of life that he came to bring. First, though, hunker down into your soul and figure out what questions it brings up for you. Are they they doubting or perhaps painful questions (as in, why me? or why this?) sorts of question or are they the hopeful or perhaps longing questions (as in I want more of your good life or could you remove this blockage in me)? Regardless, talking with Jesus about these things and ask for grace to go on this journey with him this week.