What’s the Point?

We have all said it quietly or out loud: What’s the point?

Such an expression comes from deep disappointment from the efforts and expectations we place upon ourselves and others. We plan and prepare. We expect and have hope. We anticipate a return on our investments. However and for whatever reason there are times when we feel that the ‘world is against us’ and everything is going ‘pear shaped.’ From such life situations we may enter into times of despair, disappointment and depression and feel there is no point in carrying on in life.  

Recently I was sent a quote from a friend: ‘Not all storms come to disrupt your life, some come to clear your path.’ Inspiring and positive quotes.com. It is also said that the safest place in a storm is at the very centre of it!

None of us welcome a storm for we do not know what damage it might bring but there can be a sense of hope that the storm may inadvertently do us a favour and clear away things that have clouded our judgments and actions.

In Ecclesiastes 2: 18- 26 the writer to the reader speaks about the vanity of life. He hates the toil of work that takes place under the sun and the thought that all his achievements and investments could be frittered away by those who followed him. What’s the point of it all he groans?

On the other hand Paul in 2 Corinthians 4: 7- 18 records his own storms that he faced and how he was ‘afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair.’ He continues in identifying areas in his life that were disastrous and very challenging. Yet he encourages us not to ‘lose heart’ but to claim God’s grace to help us through the storms which then can renew our inner nature and strengthen us to continue our unique life journeys.  Such a sentiment has echoes of Isaiah 61: 3 where we can offer and experience ‘praise instead of despair.’

During the last 13 years whilst writing my Blogs (Inspire2Achieve) and Insights (Insights from the Bible) I have often felt what is the point of writing and sharing them, does anyone really appreciate and gain value from them?

The reply to my ‘self-talk’ is yes: what I offer up as my simple ‘loaves and fishes,’ are valued and appreciated by many with or without my knowledge. As an author of such writings I have found an amazing presence and inspiration from the Lord to continue sharing points of interest and encouragement. I also love my ‘self-talk’ conclusion: ‘I write as one author to one reader. When my articles are published they then go to the many, whilst still retaining that unique writer to reader relationship however that works out.’

• For a moment think of times when you have felt: what is the point of it all?
• How real are you with your feelings and are you able to share them confidently with close friends?
• In the context of faith are you able to bring your frustrations to the Lord and seek his wisdom and comfort?
• It can be hard to understand the various responses we get from the complaints we express. Do we continue what we are doing or change to something new?

In the recent Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games all the participants would have trained tirelessly for many months with a hope of competing and winning their chosen sport, so fulfilling a life time ambition. There will have been many times when individuals have thought about giving up and what the point of it all is!

I remember when finishing one of my many marathons and speaking to a runner who was very disappointed about his race. I asked why and he outlined that the race had gone well and his time was really good but his disappointment centred on not getting a PB (personal best). So he quickly went from a place of success to a place of despair where he lingered and remained! What was the point of it all!

As we conclude our thoughts, let’s focus on the life and ministry of Jesus. He accepted the challenge given to him. People did not understand his teachings, plans and purpose. He was despised and rejected. It was through his own storm, on the cross, that he cleared a way for each person to be redeemed and forgiven by our loving Father God.

In your mind go to your favourite seaside, pond or lake and find a thin stone or pebble to throw into the water. Observe the instant splash and how the ripples flow from it.  Whatever we do in life it may represent our own splash which in turn will produce its own ripples.

Through Jesus we are able to enter into a peace and calm that always offers an answer to the question ‘what is the point of it all.’ We can find fresh meaning and purpose to all the activities and relationships we enter into and continue with.

Remember that our unique presence is valued and appreciated by all our family and friends and those we meet in community. Linger in the many good places that you have experienced. Treat kindly the opinions of people and the demands we place upon ourselves that include levels of perfection or feelings of disappointment.

• Relax in the eye of the storm.
• Embrace the clear pathway that has emerged after the storm! 
• Don’t despair. Don’t give up.

There is a point to life and with the Lord’s presence and inspiration we can continue to ‘splash and ripple.’

Graham