What boxes do we put ourselves in? We identify ourselves in many different ways. We can be American, Pennsylvanians, Pittsburghers, athletes, accountants, coal miners, artists, actors, writers, singers, rich, poor, and so on. Sometimes we get stuck into boxes thinking that they define who we are. These boxes can be anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, bipolar, lazy, stupid, worthless, unimportant, not needed, and so on. The boxes could also be our profession, our hobbies, our abilities, our status, our gender, and so on. The only box that truly defines who we are is the one that says we are children of God. Beyond that, all the other boxes can be, and sometimes, need to be destroyed.

We are not defined by our jobs, our hobbies, our life status, our mental abilities, and so on. These are all secondary to a child of God. We may lose our jobs at any time. We may lose our ability to do our hobbies. We may lose our mental abilities. Everything we have in this world can and will be taken from us at some point. The only thing that defines us is that we are a child of God. He will help us in all we do.

Why is there suffering and destruction in the world? Suffering and destruction and pain can lead to beauty and healing. Jesus who was God and without sin, suffered greatly. Jesus wasn’t spared His suffering, why do we think that we should be spared suffering? We are not any better than He is. He never said life would be easy. He said he’ll be with us and help us.

We are not made for this world. Therefore, nothing in this world will ever satisfy us for long. It might give us some satisfaction, but that satisfaction and joy will fade. We are made for the world with Jesus. By living for that world, we will be more than satisfied and will be filled with joy forever.