As some of you may know, I am currently in college. Recently, I finished a period of study on the subject of American Literature. It consisted of book/video/slideshow study before a test, just like many of the previous tests that I have taken; but it made a deep impact on me. American Literature had such a good start. There were godly historians like William Bradford and Cotton Mather, and godly poets like Edward Taylor and Anne Bradstreet. Sadly, though, the history of American literature is a nearly universal decline from spirituality to hopelessness, confusion, pain, and bitterness. Many modern pieces of literature deal with themes that are very unedifying and depressing. They are filled with infidelity, hate, alcohol, drugs, brokenness, instability, and anger.
Many modern pieces of literature are sad; however, what makes them even more saddening is that they are often a mirror of the life of the author. Many of the authors came from homes situations where they were unloved, mistreated, endangered, and hurt. They were looking for something to ease the pain and emptiness in their lives, but instead of finding peace and security in Christ, they vented their feelings and ideas to the world around them.
What a blessing we have to be born in a home where our parents love and support each other, where the truth is taught, and where we are protected from so many of the evils around us! If you have experienced that, please don't take it for granted or downplay it. I have done it far too many times, and I don't want to continue to do so!
In closing, I believe that this study of American literature has taught me a lot about the hopelessness of people around me. Many times, I feel that I am sheltered from much of the pain of live that many others experience daily. However, this study of American literature was a stark reminder that there are people who are living pain-filled and empty lives. I challenge you to look for those people around you, and let God use you to expose them to hope in their painful world.
P.S.
If you happen to come from a home situation where you experienced some of these things and you are looking for purpose and fulfillment in life, I have good news for you. All the desires that we have for love, fulfillment, pleasure, security, and individual worth can be fulfilled in Christ. He loved us so much he was willing to take a death penalty for us while we were still in rebellion against Him (Rom. 5:8). Colossians 2:10 tells us, "And ye are complete in Him (Christ) [complete meaning to be abundantly filled and made complete (Strongs)]. Christ tells us in Matthew 11, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." We can be secure because He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5-6). I Peter 2:9 tells us that those who follow Christ are a "peculiar people" (people that are for a possession [Strongs]). So if you feel like your life is worthless and that it can't get any worse, talk to Jesus about your problems. Hebrews 4:15-16 tells us that He can relate to the experiences we face in life. He is easily able to help you with your biggest problems.
