Take a good look at the pictures. Yep, that was a Christmas gift from one of my students. He got me Nothing. I have to admit, it was hilarious. If you take time to read everything written on the package, you’ll find it is a pretty clever parody of modern packaging and product promotion: “Made from Political Promises!” “Everything not included.” “2X More Nothing!” “Now with less pulp!” Yep, it’s nothing. So as we said goodbye for Christmas break, I just had to give him a heartfelt, “Hey, thanks for Nothing.”
But you have to admit It, sometimes it feels like life gives us Nothing. We have had to work hard for every penny, with a boss who gives us nothing – no credit, no slap on the back, no appreciation. Sometimes it can seem that we get nothing from our families – they want our money, our help, and when they get old enough, our car, but they don’t give a lot back. It can feel like the government – they sure take a lot, but what are we getting for all that money we hand over? A whole lot of Nothing.
How does that make us feel? At times, we all feel quite a bit like Nothing. Inside, we can feel like failures, like life is a treadmill, going fast but going nowhere. When no one else seems to value or affirm us, it can be pretty hard to value yourself. I think in the winter months, it’s especially easy to feel that way. The lack of sunshine and warmth, that gray world, can make us feel pretty gray. We feel like Nothing.
Deep down inside, we know those feelings aren’t valid. Logically, we know our families love us; there are those who appreciate what we do. Here’s the thing – in God’s eyes, you have tremendous value. He values you because you are unique, an image bearer of His very self. He valued you enough to send His Son to die for you. You too were in His mind as He bore our sins upon the cross. God sent Jesus, asking Nothing from us, but wanting to give us Everything. To Him, you mean Everything.
So how do we get through the gray times? How about we try to be grateful? Sometimes, our feelings of Nothing can turn into just a lot of wallowing in self-pity. Let that go. Start to look for things to be grateful for – a home, a family, a warm shower, a song on the radio, the days getting longer, the gradual warming into spring.
That must be why Paul obsesses about gratitude in Colossians 3:15-17.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful.16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him
In every verse, Paul sneaks it in: be grateful. It’s a sure cure for self-pity and a case of the blues when it is gray.
Let’s end on a note of caution. If you have constant feelings of depression, of sadness and nothingness, seek out some help. Seriously, talk to someone. You don’t have to live that way. Find a friend, who, if he is really a friend, will be willing to listen. We have pastors who are ready to listen, too. Medication can help; don’t be afraid of that. If you had diabetes, you’d take your insulin wouldn’t you? If you had an ear infection, you’d take an antibiotic, wouldn’t you? Don’t be afraid to take medicine when there’s a need.
But for all of us, carry this thought in your heart: you matter enough to God he gave His everything for you. You are a long way from Nothing. And what can separate you from His love? Nothing.
Written By: Tim Barsuhn
