When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying in private, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” And when she heard it, she rose quickly and went to him. Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still in the place where Martha had met him. When the Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary rise quickly and go out, they followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to weep there. Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” — John 11:28-32

This moment reminds me that human consolation for spiritual complications will not satisfy our souls. Mary and Martha come out to Jesus because they know that Jesus is the only resolution to their present suffering and pain. In their minds, while their belief is still growing, they understand that Jesus is the resolution to their problems. He is the only solution. Consolation by friends, family, and fellow believers is not enough for them. They know they need Jesus, so they run out to him.

So why do we, when we have spiritual complications, try to find fulfillment in human consolations? Do you know what I mean? Why, when confused, do we turn only to popular opinion for direction? Why, when we're down or depressed, do we turn to drink to escape? Why, when we're hurt or offended, do we turn to anger to resolve the injustice? Well, we do this because we believe our human effort is going to resolve the spiritual issue. That's what our behaviors demonstrate. This means we believe that human effort will solve our spiritual issues. But it never does. All it does is create another complication by directing us to lousy advice, becoming addicted to drink, and hurting people we love.

So today, stop trying to resolve your spiritual complications with human consolations. Leave human consolation behind and come running out of the house to Jesus. He is the only thing that will provide satisfaction for your soul.

ASK THIS:

1. In what areas of your life do you tend to seek human consolations instead of turning to Jesus for resolution? How has this affected your spiritual well-being?
2. Reflect on a specific situation where you sought human advice or comfort rather than seeking Jesus. What were the consequences of relying on human consolations in that situation? How can you shift your perspective and trust in Jesus as the ultimate solution to your spiritual complications?

DO THIS: Seek Jesus for your spiritual complications.

PRAY THIS: God, in moments of confusion and pain, I humbly pray that You guide me to seek Your presence above all human consolations, knowing that You alone can satisfy my soul and bring true resolution to my spiritual complications. Help me trust in Your wisdom and rely on Your strength as I run to You for comfort, healing, and guidance. Amen.

PLAY THIS: O Come To The Altar.