I’ve been thinking a lot about where I am right now in life. It’s pretty interesting looking back over the decade that most people probably feel was a breeze through, that being one’s 20’s. For some it is filled with regrets; others, not so much.

One can find articles on the internet on how people are doing major milestones later in life such as having children, getting married, etc. These things are put off now and days for most. I feel it is mostly an economic/relational dynamic that is difficult to navigate in an increasingly shallow world.

In the past there may have been some more predictability to doing certain actions, and getting certain results. Now — though I do not at all think that this is the first time in history that it has been like this — the markets of business and relationships have become far more asymmetric, and non-congruent.

There is also a sub-issue of societal pressure from earlier generations that influences this dynamic as well. For the generations of the early corporate boom you can sometimes find an attitude that “kids” these days are unfocused, unmotivated, and are more concerned with fun than a career. While there may be some truth to this — it is deeper than what the surface presents.

I feel that part of this dynamic is the difference in what the newer generations expect in getting and giving in comparison to the past generations. There is a huge sense in some of being entitled to getting something without putting in the effort to get it, and be worthy of it.

While some people have the means to give all the awesome things to the people that they love that they themselves have never had as children — they fail sometimes at instilling in the minds of their loved ones the importance of seeking and knocking on doors for oneself. As much pain as there is in finding meaning, and sustenance — it is important to be truthful to oneself and others in regards to the necessity of searching, and working towards a good goal.

In scripture, there is a classic passage on searching and finding that goes like this,

Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened.

Matt 7:7-8, WEB

Jesus points out a wonderful truth here that is often taken for granted. When we ask we will find answers. When we seek we will find things, even if it takes a long time. When we knock, there will be doors that open. In all honesty though — knocking is the scariest part.

When we ask, there is a layer of safety from committing to a plan, or an action. When we seek, there is a safe space for us to just keep the potential path towards a goal in the back burner of our hearts. However, when we knock… we commit. We make ourselves open, and vulnerable to that which we have asked about, and have sought out.

In spite of all the risks of dealing with the “no”, and dealing with rejection, life does not avail success to us very often in the form of manna just falling out of the sky. It takes action on our part. Hardcore serious knocking. If one thinks education, credentials, or anythings else in and of itself alone can bring success they have another thing coming. That may have been true in the past, but now one has to do something to stand out. Knock, knock often, and knock loud enough so people can hear it, and know that you are serious.

For the most part a “no” isn’t going to kill you. More often than not it will save you from a bad thing, and or experience. Being rejected in regards to jobs, dates, promotions, and anything else of meaning isn’t going to kill you, even though it can feel like death. I am in no way saying that the pain isn’t real, or that that it doesn’t burn like the sting of a wasp; rather, I am saying that you can pull through it. God believes in humanity, so he certainly believes in you.

Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for (The Lord) your God is with you wherever you go.

Josh. 1:9, WEB

Even with the 5-star General of the universe on our side we will still feel fear. That is a part of being human, but we don’t have to let it sit on the throne of our hearts as King Reagent. It is high noon in the court of the spirit. Ask, seek, and be sure to knock. Doing this is the only way to knock off the discouraging one from his lofty horse.

Blessings.