Read: Ezekiel 39:1-40:27
Four years ago, I expected my life to look much different than it does now. I thought I would be graduating from college with a full time job I loved, have a ring on my finger and a feeling of “togetherness.” With graduation quickly approaching, I have found myself with a part time job as a barista, extremely single and usually feeling frazzled. God knew my American dream was not His best for me, nor were my plans going to bring Him the most glory.
In Ezekiel 39, God calls attention to who He is seven times. He says things like, “I will make known my holy name among my people Israel” (verse 7) and “I will be zealous for my holy name” (verse 25). God is passionate about Himself. He is zealous for His name and His fame. Perhaps the Israelites wondered, as I used to, “How could a good God be so self-centered?” Today, I understand that being all about Himself is the most loving thing God could do.
God knows that His children get the most joy when He gets the most glory. After running after relationships I thought I wanted and always coming up dry, God has shown me that my plans are rarely any good. When I follow God’s guidance, He leads me into satisfying and fulfilling relationships. Following Jesus’ example of being all about the Father has taught me that following the Lord, not my plan for myself, is where I find satisfaction and fulfillment.
Discontent is real. Maybe your disappointment is more serious than mine. Maybe your disappointment cuts deeper and you can’t seem to get away from the hurt. What I know is we must stop focusing on our circumstances and put our attention on the Lord. As long as we dwell on our failures, hurts and frustrations we will never experience the joy of adoring God and being fully satisfied in who He is. God designed us to be zealous for His name. Put your eyes on Jesus. Direct your passion toward Him. Then God will get the glory, and we’ll get the joy.
