In this world of constant flux, change, and invariable dissolution, is it realistic to expect perfection? Are not our expectations often romanticized notions of how we think things ought be rather than what they really are? Don’t they often collide with the messy and unpredictable matters of life? The desire for elusive “perfection” leads to disillusionment and sorrow. Instead of gratefully accepting what we have, we ask “what if” or wonder about other possibilities that might bring us closer to our supposititious ideal.
The underlying assumption at work here is that everything should (or must) cohere with our desires and wishes. The doctrine that life should follow our own script not only leads to disappointment, however, but actually constitutes a form of idolatry. We must do teshuvah by revising our unrealistic expectations. Instead of seeking the “good life” in this dying world, we must turn to face reality by acknowledging the pervasive brokenness of the world. If we refuse to let go of our demand for personal happiness we will eventually be shattered and go on to blame God for our troubles. We may suspect that our suffering is a sign of God’s disapproval or rejection; we may begin to question whether God will ever heal us, give us his blessing, and so on. We must remember that God’s promises were never intended to give comfort to those who seek life and contentment in this world, or even to those who simply want a “happy ending” to a life of relative ease… No, the message of hope is delivered to those who have “ears to hear and eyes to see” – that is, to those who know they are dying, that life is beyond their control, and who understand their great need for divine intervention. Far from being a sign of God’s abandonment, our suffering indicates God’s near presence and the call to find eternal life in Yeshua our Savior…
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“There appear to be many people who chose to go crazy (or become alcoholics, addicts, criminals, suicides) rather than have to bear the pain and ambiguity of a life situation that they have decided that they cannot stand” (Sheldon Kopp). Like Jonah we first must be “swallowed up” in the consciousness that we are undone and without remedy apart from God’s direct intervention and deliverance. עָקב הַלֵּב מִכּל וְאָנֻשׁ הוּא מִי יֵדָעֶנּו (Jer. 17:9). We start there – in the “belly of the fish” – and later are resurrected to go forth by God’s mercy and grace. Likewise we first see ourselves as dying and go to the cross, finding pardon and given the power of the ruach HaKodesh to live unto God according to the truth.
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