Quiet Desperation or Joyful Anticipation?

 

Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) was an American naturalist, essayist, poet, and philosopher. He is best known for his book Walden, a reflection upon simple living in natural surroundings. In it is the oft quoted statement, “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” He is basically addressing what he sees as a problem in life, which many people resign themselves to living. If you feel a sense of desperation in life, then change how you think, how you feel, and how you live. Find what offers meaning, purpose, or joy for your existence. He did this himself for a little over two years at Waldon pond. There is more to this, though, than what Thoreau considered.

 

Putting this into a Biblical perspective, I am reminded of what Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes. As one with seemingly unlimited resources and time, he pursued all kinds of lifestyles, seeing what good they had to offer. He tried riches, alcohol, various physical pleasures, work, gaining knowledge and skill, and other such things. The result of them all is captured in his phrase, “Indeed, all was vanity and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun” (Eccl. 2:11). The physical by itself offers nothing lasting, nothing that will satisfy, nothing that brings a true sense of purpose. In the end, he reaches this decision; “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man's all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil” (Eccl. 12:13-14). A life without God being one’s focus is a meaningless life, as the eternity that awaits is based on who we live for, either ourselves or God.

 

If we think like the world around us, and wind up living like the world, we’re going to not only lose battles but also eventually the war, as to live for self is to live for the devil and sin.  Perpetually yielding to temptation creates a sinful mindset within a person, and it will harden one’s heart (Heb. 3:12-13).  To do this long enough conforms us to the pattern of the world (Rom. 12:1), and we will reap the horrible harvest of what we have sown (Gal. 6:7-8).

 

So how do we change?  How do we become a different person, with a different way of thinking and living?  “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Rom. 12:2).  Allow God through His word to mold and shape you in His image, to allow you to be a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17), created in righteousness and holiness of the truth (Eph. 4:24).

 

In the final analysis, we either live for God or for sin; we either will live by God’s will or that of the devil. We will either take the wide road to destruction or the narrow one to life (Matt. 7:13-14). We will either be slaves of God or of sin (Rom. 6:16-18). We will either live an abundant life in Christ (John 10:10), or one which is shameful (Rom. 6:21). Since most people live under the influence of the devil and sin (1 John 5:19), it is no wonder most live life with a sense of quiet desperation. Only in Christ is there hope beyond today, is there a purpose for tomorrow.

 

We were made in the image of God, which means we should live the life He created us to live in Him. Anything else will be unfulfilling and meaningless, moving from one distraction to the next, until it’s over. Only in Christ can we look beyond the despair of today to the hope of eternal life. What is your choice? Will you live in quiet desperation, or joyful anticipation? Christ is He who makes the difference. Make Him integral to all of life’s actions, choices, and aspirations. Live for heaven. Look with joy to what lies beyond the flesh, beyond today. Heaven is worth it all. “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21).

 

μαράνα θᾶ

Robert