Am I investing my time wisely in things that truly matter? What actually matters and how can I be certain? These are questions we tend to ask ourselves. As humans, we try to answer these questions to the best of our knowledge, and we are forced to do so while making daily investments in our life.
No matter what type of lifestyle you live, most would agree that the time we invest in our families, relationships and faith are the investments that truly matter. Although we may feel this way, the pressure to succeed, conform and give into our prevailing culture is always present. This results in empty souls, loneliness, fragmented relationships and a profound yearning for a meaningful life.
The prophet Isaiah brought God’s word of hope to a community that wound up in exile and captivity. Before Jerusalem’s downfall, the people were relatively prosperous, overly self-confident and materialistic. It is in this context that we hear God’s words, “Come, everyone who is thirsty–here is water! Come, you that have no money–buy grain and eat! Come! Buy wine and milk–it will cost you nothing! Why spend money on what does not satisfy? Why spend your wages and still be hungry? Listen to me and do what I say, and you will enjoy the best food of all.”
This is an invitation from God to all people. The qualifications are a thirst for a meaningful life and a hunger for what can satisfy our inner spirit. No need to spend, because God will provide the wine and milk that will gratify our lives. No matter how much we possess or gain, we will never be satisfied. Our heart and spirit find meaning through non-tangible things–love, peace, grace, forgiveness, acceptance and connections to others.
When we invest in things that don’t give us meaning, we become tired and weary, but it is never too late to change direction. Investments made on developing our inner being and allowing God to change our ways will benefit our family, marriage and children in return.
Come and let God give us the gift of purpose and meaning!
Lord, give me wisdom to invest wisely on the things that matter–a meaningful and purposeful life.
