Trinity College Ministry

A recent statistic just came out that Lubbock Texas per capita is one of the drunkest cities in America. We beat out towns like Las Vegas and New Orleans. Some might be proud of this statistic and express their desire to continue the celebration with a party. This statistic does not arouse this response in my spirit. In fact it shows a greater problem and dilemma. It shows the hopelessness and loneliness people walk in…but call it partying.

There are numerous verses that invite us to taste and experience the goodness God has to offer. Psalms instructs us to “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” Ephesians says to not be drunk on wine but be filled with the Spirit. It seems that when we overwhelm our bodies with substance to fulfill the need for pleasure outside of God it leaves us empty and longing. A.W. Tozer writes, “Deep within the heart of a man lies a shrine that was intended for God.” I find it interesting that he uses the word intended. It seems that we replace the shrine for the things this world says is satisfying and good.

The illusion is that we can experience pleasure in the world and boredom in Christianity. Some go to the gray areas of faith to experience the worlds pleasure while others consume everything the world has to offer: emptiness, loneliness, depression and a false sense of control. Let me be the millionth person to make the declaration that, JESUS IS BETTER!

Psalm 16:11 says that in God’s right hand are His eternal pleasures. When we experience pleasure in the context of God’s plan for our life we are eternally and internally satisfied. Where the world offers emptiness; God offers completion. Where the world offers loneliness…God offers friendship. Where the world offers depression…God offers life and life more abundant. Where the world offers a false sense of control…God offers guidance and purpose. Trust me between the world and Jesus. Jesus is better!