Chasing shadows: The search for meaning in a noisy world

Friend, now that you’ve seen where meaning doesn’t come from, and who it comes from – how can you actually begin the journey?

Your thirst and quest for finding meaning in a noisy world should start with Him. Your desire to fill the void should begin with the One who formed and created you.

Everything started with Him, and He knew you before you were formed.
He says, “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee…” (Jeremiah 1:5 KJV).

So, to begin, you go to the One who formed you and shaped you. You go to Him and start a relationship with Him

Just as you cannot walk up to a stranger and ask important questions concerning your life and also intrude on their privacy, in the same way, you cannot go to God to reveal things to you when you don’t know Him; you form a relationship with Him. And as you walk with Him daily, He will reveal Himself – and yourself – to you.

He will open your eyes to see the plans He has for you—plans of good and not of evil, plans that far exceed what you could ever think of or imagine. But it all starts with a relationship with Him.

You might be asking: How do you start a relationship with someone you can’t see? How do you talk with Him, or how are you sure He’s listening? Or even, how will He respond to your questions, and how will you hear His voice and know He is talking to you when you can’t see Him physically?

I get it. It’s strange, but don’t let that put you off. That’s where faith begins.

Starting a relationship with Him is not all about following a bunch of laid-down rules and wearing a long face all day, nor is it about being perfect. No. It’s about knowing that He wants to know you and also talk with you. It’s about getting to know Him as He knows you.

It starts with knowing that He wants to listen to you, work, and walk with you, even in your doubt and confusion. You can start by talking with Him every day. It does not have to sound pretty. Just talk to Him as a friend. Be sincere and open to Him. He won’t judge you.

You can say, “Jesus, I don’t know you, although I’ve heard about you. I am confused right now, and I don’t know why I am living.

“Nothing I do seems to fill the void within me, but I’m told you can help me. I have tried to do things my own way and I have gotten it wrong.

“Forgive me for leaving you out of my plans. I am sorry for all my sins. So here I am—help me. I’m tired of trying to figure it out on my own. Show me who you are.
In Jesus name, amen.”

Then read His Word, the Bible. The Bible is not just a religious book. It’s a book about God. It is a letter from God to you. It tells you about Him and you.

You can start reading from John, where it shows you who Jesus is. It might be confusing when you start, but you don’t have to understand everything at once. Just read and ask Jesus to speak to you.

While doing that, you can find friends who know about Jesus to walk with you on the journey. You don’t have to do it all alone. You can ask them questions about Jesus and what you don’t understand.

At first, it may feel strange, but as time passes and the relationship grows, just as with any relationship, you will begin to sense His peace in your heart and hear His voice. Then you’ll start understanding and discovering the meaning you’ve been chasing all along.

The void might not disappear at once, but it will eventually. As you continue to know Him and seek Him, peace settles in your heart, and life’s meaning becomes clearer as life begins to make sense.

If you are ready to stop chasing shadows and go to the One who gives life meaning and makes it meaningful, you can say this prayer below:

“Lord Jesus, I’ve been trying so long to live a meaningful life, but to no avail. All my efforts have been abortive.

“Forgive all my sins and wrong doings. I believe that you died for me. I come to you seeking meaning for my life. Please show me the way and reveal yourself to me. I surrender all to you. Fill the emptiness in me. Lead me and make my life meaningful.

In Jesus’ name, amen.”

What’s holding you back from starting (or deepening) a relationship with Jesus today?

Congratulations! You’ve taken the first step

Keep reading His Word. Write what you learn and feel. Find a Bible-believing community to help you on your journey.

You’re not alone anymore. Welcome to the journey of finding true meaning in Christ.