Romans 8:18 English Standard Version (ESV) For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Once again we are speaking to emotional needs. For many life has to have meaning. I know what that means to me but what meaning are you looking for from this life? It has been suggested that we can find meaning in starting a family, supporting a cause, finding a philosophy/belief system or a political ideology that resonates with you. This might suggest that meaning for the individual is driven by an emptiness of the soul that cries out to be filled.

The emptiness in my soul has been filled by the love of Christ. It may not be that way for all people and it is even possible that your relationship with our Lord is not as needy as mine. I have found no meaning in my life quite like the love of God.

Philippians 1:6, 11 English Standard Version (ESV) ⁶ And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. ¹¹ filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Meaning might not be a primary emotional need. Consider that my need for meaning is based on faith and the emotional needs of any individual might not be faith based. Do not feel judged if your emotional need for meaning in life is not faith based.

This is a faith based devotional and all my answers will be connected to His Word and faith. We can find meaning in life apart from God. Recognizing what they are is only a guide and not a conclusion.

Psalm 5:2 English Standard Version (ESV) Give attention to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you do I pray.

Speaking again to the issues of emotional needs, I can speak to this one, attention. When tested it was found that my primary need is attention.

Imagine yourself walking into a gathering of people you know. As you enter no one greets you, no one acknowledges your presence, and you appear to be invisible to everyone. How would that make you feel?

They say that hate is the opposite of love, it is not it is indifference. Lack of attention is received as indifference. It does not need be real to be felt. Expectation of indifference can be felt regardless of the reality.

We have greeters at church to negate those emotions. No one comes in without attention being paid to them to let them know they matter. Attention is emotionally connected to self-worth. It differs from value because it is expected regardless of activity or position. Age has nothing to do with it. It infects the young and old alike.

In my past I would overcompensate by being very vocal even to the point of dominating the conversation. I would not allow people to ignore me, even if I had to be argumentative. It was once pointed out to me that I would argue with the wall. It never occurred to me that my behavior could elicit the same emotional frustrations in others that I was seeking to avoid.

I have to work hard not to allow my need for attention to interfere with relationships.

If no one is asking about you, ask about them. “How are you doing?” Find a way to make that sound insincere. We should be sincere because nothing prompts attention from others any faster than sincerity.

Love one another as directed in John 13:34. It works.