True Joy and Peace

I often wonder why the men on Dawn Island have so much joy. They’re not perfect, but they have more joy than a lot of 'Christians' I’ve met back in New York. When you’re overdosed on drugs and lying on a street corner, it’s pretty clear you have a problem, and it’s obvious you’re not okay. The men on the island know they need a Savior; they know they need Jesus. So when the Holy Spirit comes into their lives and frees them from drugs, they experience a freedom and joy that even those with worldly wealth do not have. But for 'normal' people like us, we fall for the biggest lie that Satan wants us to believe: that we’re fine, that we’re okay.

But we’re not okay.

I’m sitting here in South Korea, and it’s beautiful and high-tech, but sadly, this country has one of the highest suicide rates among developed nations, especially among young people. There are many societal factors at play, like academic pressure, social isolation, and the relentless pursuit of success. As a psychology major in college, I understand these issues, but ultimately, people need Jesus.

When you have Jesus, you have everything; when you don’t have Jesus, you have nothing.

We think that with more money, we have more stability and safety, but we don’t realize it can all be gone in a second. The recovering drug addicts on Dawn Island know they have a problem. They know they need Jesus. But we think we’re fine, or we settle somewhere in between. Jesus calls us 'lukewarm, neither hot nor cold'—and that’s the worst place to be.

And so we keep chasing after the wind and the things of this world, wondering why we feel so lost and struggle to find true meaning and purpose.

Revelation 3:14-22 (NIV):

14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation.

15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!

16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.

18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.

20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

21 To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.

22 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”