One time I received an interesting email forwarded by my good friend Dwight. It suggested that without God the days of our week would be Sinday, Mournday, Tearsday, Wasteday, Thirstday, Fightday, and Shatterday. Good point. I’ve often wondered why anyone would want to live even one day without God!
In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul describes the spiritual condition of his Gentile readers before their conversion: “Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world” (Eph. 2:12). This scripture paints the bleakest picture.
Without God in my day, I’m “separated from Christ.” Jesus isn’t there when I’m discouraged, distressed, or grief-stricken. He isn’t there when I have sinned and need an advocate in heaven. He isn’t there when his wise counsel would protect me from making a foolish or hurtful decision. Without God in my world, I’d feel completely alone.
And without God in my day, I’m an alien to “the commonwealth of Israel” and a stranger to “the covenants of promise.” The great blessings given to the Hebrews and ultimately realized in the church have nothing to do with me. I don’t belong to God’s people. I’m not set apart for the Lord’s special use. My life has no meaning beyond my own selfish interests. Without God in my world, I’m cut off.
And without God in my day, I have “no hope.” I can’t expect tomorrow to be any better than today. It will probably be worse. I can’t expect to live and rejoice in heaven. Without him my heart sinks every time I give a thought to the eternal, fiery pit yawning beneath my feet. Without God in my world, I am in despair.