What does it mean exactly to be a part of something that is "bigger than ourselves"? We hear this kind of terminology used in reference to all kinds of various activities and experiences. We may hear it from an athlete competing in the Olympics or some other notable competition, or from a soldier fighting for a cause that they beiieve in. We may hear such a comment from someone involved in humanitarian work and relief efforts after hurricanes, tsunamis, or just tragic occurrences in everyday life. No matter the event that triggers such a description it is hard to deny the fact that people look to be a part of something that is "bigger than themselves". 

Such a desire to be a part of something like this, and a feeling of emptiness or something missing until this "hole" is filled is not uncommon. Where people go to get this need met on the other hand, are as diverse as the imagination could possibly express.

Some turn to substances, alcohol, drugs, or food, some to relationships with others, some jion cults, clubs, or communities who hold beliefs that are as wide a variety as could possibly be described. Something needs to fill that hole. As Christians, we believe (even though sometimes we still struggle to apply these truths) that the only thing that will fill that hole is a relationship with God. It is the only real connection that gives purpose, mission, and doesn't leave us with empty spaces in our lives that need to be supplemented or replaced by anything else. A relationship with God really is sufficient to fill all those gaps in our lives.

The Bible tells us a lot about people, about their nature, their weaknesses, and their desire to be a part of something that is meaningful, enduring, and worth living for. It also recounts a lot of foolish things that people throughout history have tried to put in that place instead of a relationship with God. They tried to make their own gods, they tried sex, child sacrifice, a mix of a bunch of different religions, and also just plain apathy to the whole situation. None of them filled the hole.

The Bible also tells us one big story throughout its pages about a God who made the universe and desires to be the one who fills all the needs in our lives that cannot be filled any other way. He made us that way. Don't you think he knows how to fill it? God chose to choose one people (the nation of Israel). It wasn't because they were powerful or special (God makes that very clear), but instead he chose them so that they could help the rest of the world to realize that they all needed to fill the hole in their lives and their societies by being right with their Maker.

Jesus came and taught that God was still up to the same thing. He wanted people to be reconciled (or brought back) to Him. He gave his life so that it could happen in a way that was better than ever before. Not since the Garden of Eden in the very beginning had such an intimate and real relationship with God ever been possible. Through Jesus what was once simply wishful thinking was now not only possible but available to all who would seek it.

God is working today. Some say that God doesn't exist. Others simply suggest that He isn't interested. The truth is that God is just as busy today as he has ever been on the same mission that He had when it all started. He desires to be close to those who would seek Him.

Are you looking for something "bigger then yourself"? Look no further. His name is God. He is the Creator of all that exists and He is living in and working through his people. And he promises that if you seek Him you will find Him. Get plugged in. Stop filling that hole in your life with something different that doesn't fit the whole. Come to God and allow him to fill you to overflowing.

Welcome to the Journey.