We Love People To Be Sufficiently Disturbed - Why?

When are you really open to changing? Probably when you are “finally” sufficiently disturbed.

WHAT’S AILING YOU?

You’re tired of being out of shape. Your relationship has worn down. You’re lonely, maybe sick, or facing the possibility of losing your job. Maybe an addiction is now lording over your life. Whatever the disturbance, finally, you’re ready to change.

THE BREAKTHROUGH

As a counselor, I love seeing this kind of breakthrough. Not because I enjoy seeing people suffer, but because sometimes it takes significant pain before we’re willing to change.

One time, Jeremiah told God’s people:

“The LORD says, ‘At that time the people of Israel and Judah will come together. They will cry and look for the LORD their God.’” (Jeremiah 50:4 NCV)

Here’s the backstory. God’s people had repeatedly turned away from Him. They worshiped false gods, ignored His warnings, and lived however they wanted. So God allowed wicked nations, including Babylon, to conquer and discipline His people.

But in Jeremiah 50, God announces Babylon’s coming judgment and promises that His people will return to Him. Notice what happens. They come together, they cry, and they begin looking for the LORD their God.

They were finally sufficiently disturbed.

HOW GOD USES BAD THINGS IN OUR LIFE

In those days, it was interesting. God even used bad people to discipline His own people. Bad things have a way of getting our attention and preparing us to come back home to God — hopefully. Not every hardship is God’s discipline, but God can certainly use hardship to change us.

THE DANGER OF COMFORT

And here’s something that concerns me. I worry about rich and comfortable people. Why? Because too much comfort can create a false sense of confidence, where we begin thinking we don’t really need God. When life is good, money is plentiful, and everything seems under control, it’s easy to become self-sufficient instead of God-dependent. Sometimes comfort can be more spiritually dangerous than suffering.

HOW TRUE CHANGE HAPPENS

Some think stopping the bad stuff will heal them. It helps, absolutely. But in my opinion, it doesn’t heal the heart. What we really need is a true heart change. Behavioral changes can be short-lived without a genuine change of heart, mind, and soul.

God said, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit inside you.” (Ezekiel 36:26 NCV)

Only God can do that. Only Christ can truly transform our hearts. We can change our habits, but we need Him to change who we are on the inside.

CONCLUSION

So where are you today? Are you ready for change? Are you sufficiently disturbed? Or are you so comfortable that you don’t recognize your need for God?

Now is the time for renewal. Don’t just ask God to remove the disturbance. Ask Him to change you through it.

I hope you find someone to explain how Christ can help. Ask me, I’ll help.

LORD, help us be honest with ourselves and simply give our lives to You, and make Jesus Christ both our Savior and Lord. Something is going to lord over us, and I desire You. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen. ♥️

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