Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) was an American naturalist, essayist, poet and philosopher. He was best known for his book Walden, a reflection upon simple living in natural surroundings. In it is the oft quoted statement, “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” He basically addressed what he saw as a problem in life, to which many people resigned themselves. If you feel a sense of desperation in life, then change how you think, how you feel and how you live. Find what offers meaning, purpose or joy for your existence. He did this himself for a little over two years at Waldon pond. There is more to this, though, than what Thoreau considered.
Putting this into a biblical perspective, I am reminded of what Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes. As one with seemingly unlimited resources and time, he pursued all kinds of lifestyles, seeing what good they had to offer. He tried riches, alcohol, various physical pleasures, work, gaining knowledge and skill, and other such things. The result of them all is captured in his phrase, “Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 2:11 ESV). The physical by itself offers nothing lasting, nothing that will satisfy but temporarily and nothing that brings a true sense of purpose. In the end, Solomon reached this decision. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 NKJV). A life without God being one’s focus is a meaningless life, as the eternity that awaits is based on for whom we live, either ourselves or God.
If we think like the world around us and wind up living like the world, we’re going to not only lose battles but also eventually the war, as to live for self is to live for the devil and sin. Perpetually yielding to temptation creates a sinful mindset within a person, and it will harden one’s heart (Hebrews 3:12-13). To do this long enough conforms us to the pattern of the world (Romans 12:1), and we will reap the horrible harvest of what we have sown (Galatians 6:7-8).
So, how do we change? How do we become different people, with a different way of thinking and living? “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2). Allow God through His Word to mold and to shape you in His image, to allow you to be a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), created in righteousness and holiness of the Truth (Ephesians 4:24).
In the final analysis, we either live for God or for sin; we either will live by God’s will or that of the devil. We will either take the wide road to destruction or the narrow one to life (Matthew 7:13-14). We will either be slaves of God or of sin (Romans 6:16-18). We will either live an abundant life in Christ (John 10:10) or one that is shameful (Romans 6:21). Since most people live under the influence of the devil and sin (1 John 5:19), it is no wonder most live life with a sense of quiet desperation. Only in Christ is there hope beyond today and a purpose for every new tomorrow.
We were made in the image of God, which means we should live the life He created us to live in Him. Anything else will be unfulfilling and meaningless, moving from one distraction to the next, until it’s over. Only in Christ can we look beyond the despair of today to the hope of eternal life. What is your choice? Will you live in quiet desperation or joyful anticipation? Christ is He who makes the difference. Make Him integral to all of life’s actions, choices and aspirations. Live for Heaven. Look with joy to what lies beyond the flesh and beyond today. Heaven is worth it all. “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).
