“I want a new drug
One that won’t make me sick
One that won’t make me crash my car
Or make me feel three feet thick.”
I loved Huey Lewis “back when.” Okay, I still do. But there’s a particular song of his on my mind this morning in a totally different context than just a blast from my youthful past.
Yesterday, I was informed that Santa Clarita, CA—my hometown—currently ranks first in the state for drugs and that more than twenty deaths in the past month, in this valley, are attributed to drug overdose—namely heroin.
First response: cry for the loss of precious young lives and for the grieving mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and friends.
Second response: weep some more for our society that deals in such cheap, easy fulfillment that, when deep cries of the heart can’t be ignored, drastic, risky, potentially fatal measures seem like the only recourse.
What’s the draw of drugs? Why, even if they’re easily attainable, would a young person reach for drugs even once?
Several factors come into play such as the need to fit in, to appear “cool,” to strike back at loved ones with risky behavior, or to just “see what it’s like.”
However, it’s my contention those factors and more stem from a common need that resounds throughout our society, a need so deep we’re willing to try anything to get some relief—from drugs to alcohol to risky sexual behaviors and everything in between.
It’s an emptiness in our gut we’re desperate to fill.
What if I was to tell you I’ve found the perfect drug—one that, as Huey said, won’t make me sick, won’t make me crash my car, or make me nervous, or make my face break out, won’t take all my money, and will never go away.
Okay, I have to admit this drug is not available with any amount of money and you can’t get it on a street corner or in a little package from a well-connected friend.
But at least it’s not illegal… not yet anyway.
Hmmm, the more I think about it, this drug is expensive. In fact, there’s a good likelihood it will cost you everything. But trust me, it’s worth it.
What would it be worth to you to:
*Feel joy
*Have hope
*Lose the fear
*Know you’re loved no matter what
*Always be heard
*Never feel alone again
*Wake up every day with a sense of purpose
*Have real answers for hurting friends
and even
*Drown in ecstasy more fulfilling than any “high;” more fulfilling, even, than sex?
But we have constant sales pitches thrown at us from all sides. Day in and day out, someone is trying to get our money, our attention, trying to take from us. Why should you fall for this one, especially since it sounds way too good to be true?
Because this offer will only take from you what you give when you realize you really don’t have anything of worth in the first place.
Let that sink in.
All the other stuff—the friendships, diversions and highs—what do they give you in the long-run but a bigger, wider chasm inside? Because they can’t help what they… can’t… reach.
I’m addicted to this particular substance. I’d often rather have more than to take my next breath and, when I have those moments of hitting rock bottom, nothing else will do the trick. My whole attitude and perspective can be switched from “just let me die” to “I can’t believe how wonderful life is!” with just one drop.
If we all latched onto the power of this substance, everything, and I do mean everything, would be right. Racial, social, and government tension would cease, the strong would help the weak, and the poor would be cared for. There’d be no market for recreational drugs and most prescription drugs would be unnecessary. Lawyers would have to learn a new trade and the sex industry would be a thing of the past.
Wow. What a build-up. Probably empty promises, eh?
No. It’s on the level.
But there’s always a catch, right? Right.
This powerful substance is absolutely free, available to anyone, but it requires digging. A lifetime of it. Digging and digging for truth when voices from all sides scream that it’s pointless. Waking day after day and choosing to believe the unbelievable, to long most for what you can’t see when what you can see is so easy to grasp.
God. Period.
God is what you’re gasping for. He is the desire of your heart.
Just one taste will hook you. Get alone, in a quiet place, unplugged from everything, and reach for Him.
He’s already there–just waiting for you to come to your senses.
Every day, whether you believe or not, whether you feel like it or not, unplug and reach for Him.
Forget your expectations. Forget your preconceptions. Forget religion. Dump them and start with a clean slate. It’s all about relationship with the One who loves you and values you so much He said you were worth dying for.
But it wasn’t just words. He did it.
God’s love will blow your mind.
“One that won’t make me nervous
Wonderin’ what to do
One that makes me feel like I feel when I’m with You
When I’m all alone with You”
I. Dare. You.
Well-said, Chana. And absolutely true. No mere manmade drug can bring the peace that God can–if you let Him.
Remember in Sister Act how they took pop songs and sang them to God? There could be another script here with this idea (just sayin') . . . =0)
Sue,
I don't think I've ever watched all of Sister Act. Gotta remedy that. When Mark used to lead the huge youth group in Tulsa in worship he often would take old hits like Beatles' tunes and tweak the lyrics. So fun!
I'd like you to elaborate on that script idea 🙂
C.