“If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.”
C.S. Lewis
I have a friend who is a self-help book addict, and apparently, she’s not alone. In 2017, 37.9 billion self-help books were sold in the United States, ranking this the number two category in non-fiction books sales. That’s a whole lotta books, you guys!
I think that stat tells us something very interesting about current culture: we’re obsessed with the concept that other people can help us become better versions of who we already are. And with titles that entice us to find more joy, lose more weight, gain more confidence in 5 easy steps, find our authentic voice, and discover our life’s purpose in 30 days, it’s no wonder we’re snapping up these books by the billion!
My friend can spout Oprah quotes, use Brene-isms verbatim without batting an eye, wash her face better than Rachel Hollis, spark some mean joy that would make Marie Condo proud, and mindfully meditate alongside the Dalai Lama. She can practice the Four Agreements, find the Seat of Her Soul, and harness the Power of Now.
And yet, when the next book releases that promises to fill the void and fix what ails, she’ll be first in line to buy it. Wouldn’t you think she’d be pretty self-fulfilled and self-actualized by now? Wouldn’t you think she’d be satisfied?
Honestly, there’s nothing wrong with helping yourself create new and better habits. There’s nothing wrong with creating space in your life (literally and figuratively) for the things that matter most to you. There is HUGE value in organizing your priorities, gaining confidence to speak your truth, surrounding yourself with positive people, and attracting the best the Universe has to offer. But if that’s all you are relying on to fill your soul, you’ll find it empty again in just a matter of time.
Why? Because it’s a temporary fix. It will continually leave you feeling unfilled and in a cycle of looking for the next best thing to fill you up, because you 're looking in the wrong place.
YOU GUYS. Our wholeness, our contentment, our fullness of self isn’t found in the self-help section. It’s found in Jesus. I find my purpose, my goals, my life in Him. Instead of turning to books by so-called "masters of their fields", we should be tuned to THE Master.
Where does my help come from? It comes from the Lord.
Psalm 121: 1
Remember when I told you self-help books rank second in non-fiction books sales? Want to know what the number ONE best selling book is? The Bible.
Stop seeking gurus, girls, and instead, sit with God.
Recently, I saw a quote on Instagram and I can’t get it out of my head so I thought I’d share it with you:
So if you’re looking for a sure-fire action step to take today to improve your life in one easy step…
Girl, just go read your Bible.
Does that feel a little daunting? Don't know quite where to start? You're in the right place! Starting next week, we'll be offering some great places in scripture to dig into, along with practical ways of applying it to your everyday places and spaces! In the meantime, let these words be your guide this week:
Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don’t take yourself too seriously. Take GOD seriously.
Micah 6:8
I mean, that says it all right there, doesn’t it? Be nice, love others, and get over your self a little because God's in control. Life’s little instruction manual right there in a nutshell.
Praying for you and yours, and counting you as one of ours.
xoxoxoxo,
Wendie
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