Life doesn't have to be unsatisfactory

As you're reading this, chances are that at one point in life, you hit a bump in the road where you were just dissatisfied with your progress. Maybe it was about disappointment with your career, hating your job, a soured relationship or marriage, or anything else. Failure and feelings of vanity can make anyone think he or she is worthless and without a future.

But I think everyone was born with some potential. If you're feeling distressed about where you are now, take a look at your abilities, talents, and skills.

• Ask friends and relatives about the strengths they've observed in you.


• Check out opportunities to display your gifts: a job, hobby, at church, recreation, school, club/organizations, etc.


• Make friends at these locations who can encourage, mentor, and open other doors for you.


• Look for ways to help others who are less fortunate than you. This can help you become less self-absorbed.


• Don't compare yourself with others who seem to have it all. You're one-of-a-kind, and not like anyone else. Some who are up today may be down tomorrow.

Speaking of uniqueness, consider that sometimes God allows dissatisfaction that money, success, entertainment, friends, and things won't fulfill. I've been there and I know the feeling. God wants your attention in a relationship. It's just that life isn't about us; it's about fulfilling our purpose: to do every non-sinful thing for and become like God in character. It's about a relationship that's meant to last forever, after friends, money, health, good times, achievements and everything else are gone. A relationship starts by asking Jesus Christ to come into your heart, that He would forgive you of all your sins. Thank Him for dying for you, and that you believe that He rose from the dead. Tell Him that you'll live for Him. Then stay in contact by talking to the Lord everyday, and follow His Life Manual (the Bible) daily. Make friends at a local Bible-teaching, Holy Spirit-led church, and tell others about Jesus.