Completely Captivated

It's been called one of the "wonders of the world" - a geographical line encompassing much of The Deep South: that is, the Gnat Line. These countless pesky "no see'ums" are perhaps the most absurdly intrusive to exposed bodily orifices - eyes, ears, nose, mouth. While I try to stay clear of them, Mister Bill has just resigned to consume a fair share of them! The general misery of the human soul cannot be ignored. The earnest and eager pursuit of life's fleeting attractions are many; the Puritan said, "But, alas, what false delusive dreams ... and how miserable ere long with those be that sleep in them." King Solomon explains it like this: "The eye is not satisfied with seeing, Nor is the ear filled with hearing." (Ecclesiastes 1:8). How, O Lord, do Believers get-off and stay-off this wearisome cycle of chasing the wind? I suggest we find the answer in our roots: "God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." (Genesis 1:27). In its original and purest state, the soul was the image and likeness of its Creator. And, God saw His creation and "it was very good." (V.31). No, this isn't then; sin changed everything - well, all except God, The Creator; it is for Him alone the soul most deeply longs. Man's greatest end is found in his origin: finding all delight in God alone! "For all our happiness consists in loving Thee, and being Holy as Thou art Holy." (Valley of Vision). Mister Bill says he is so focused on fishing, he hardly bothers with the gnats. Oh, to be so enthralled, so completely captivated  with The Creator we hardly notice life's attractions. Oh, Lord, make it be so!