Fantasies
Scripture Reading — Psalm 16
Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.
—Proverbs 12:11
Have you noticed that there is, in people around us, an increasing fascination with “what might have been”? Misty songs about old high school loves: “Oh, where are they now?” Websites advertise, “Maybe someone is looking for you right now—maybe a former boyfriend or girlfriend.” Maybe I notice this because, as a pastor, I find that so many people fall into trouble on the Internet, clicking and scrolling through all their unfulfilled dreams and desires. This is often where marriages go to die.
Psalm 16:6 points out that there are boundaries in life, and living within them is good. David, who wrote this psalm, violated those boundaries at a horrible cost to himself and his family (see 2 Samuel 11-12).
Our verse from Proverbs presents a challenge: It is time to grow up, to be a person who is mature in Christ and living with vigor in the real world today.
Working in the fields of life is difficult and calls for holy commitment. It can easily become tempting to mope around and dream lazy dreams of a life that God did not intend you to live.
No, God gave you this one— this life, the one right in front of you, along with the people and duties of today.
Repent of covetous fantasies, and, with prayer, praise, and faith, work the God-given fields of your life. Happiness grows there.
Grip me, Lord. Open my eyes to see the goodness and blessing of the life you have given me. Forgive me when I fantasize. Help me love and serve you well each day. Amen.
About the author — Keith Mannes
Keith Mannes serves as pastor at Highland Christian Reformed Church in McBain, Michigan. Keith and his wife, Alicia, recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary,
and they are thankful for their three children—Eben, Charis, and Breanna.
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