Finding What We’re Looking For—Rest in Christ
Have you ever resonated with the deep longing expressed in U2’s iconic song “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”? It’s a powerful anthem of human desire—searching, striving, and yearning for something more. Bono’s lyrics are raw and honest, capturing the experience of seeking fulfillment but not quite finding it. For many of us, it feels like the theme song of our lives.
What is it that we’re looking for? Love? Purpose? Freedom? Healing? This song acknowledges the struggle, but it also hints at the answer. The gospel shines through the cracks of this searching anthem, pointing us to the One who is the fulfillment of every longing.
The Universal Search
The song begins with vivid imagery of striving and effort:
“I have climbed highest mountains, I have run through the fields, only to be with you.”
“I have run, I have crawled, I have scaled these city walls, only to be with you.”
These lines paint a picture of relentless pursuit, echoing the experience of many who search for meaning and fulfillment in life. Whether it’s through relationships, achievements, or spiritual experiences, the search seems never-ending.
This longing is not unique—it’s a mark of being human. As Ecclesiastes 3:11 tells us:
“He has set eternity in their heart.”
Our restless search reflects a deeper truth: we were made for something eternal. Until we find that eternal source, we will keep climbing, running, and crawling—never satisfied.
A Paradox of Belief and Longing
The song takes a fascinating turn with these lines:
“I believe in the kingdom come... You broke the bonds, and you loosed the chains... But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for.”
Here, Bono acknowledges belief in Christ—His work on the cross, the breaking of chains, and the promise of the kingdom. Yet, the longing persists. Why? Because while we may believe, we often struggle to live in the fullness of what Christ has already provided. We look to external things for satisfaction, forgetting that Christ alone is the answer to our deepest desires.
Finding Rest in Christ
The Bible speaks to this tension. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus offers an invitation:
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
The rest Jesus promises isn’t just a break from striving—it’s an abiding life in Him. When we exchange our life of searching and self-effort for His indwelling life, we discover that He is everything we’ve been looking for.
Why the Search Persists
Why, then, do so many of us still feel like we haven’t found what we’re looking for, even as believers? The answer often lies in where we’re placing our focus. Are we relying on ourselves to make life work, or are we trusting Christ as our functional source of life?
Paul reminds us in Galatians 2:20:
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
Living by faith in Christ means trusting that He is sufficient for every need, every moment, and every longing.
A Personal Reflection
When I hear this song, I’m reminded of my own journey. For years, I searched for significance and satisfaction in my achievements and relationships. I believed in Christ, but I was still striving in my own strength. It wasn’t until I exchanged my life in Adam for the victorious life of Christ that I began to experience true rest.
Now, instead of searching for what I already have in Christ, I focus on abiding in Him. His life within me is enough to meet every need and fulfill every longing. This shift has brought me peace and freedom I never thought possible.
The Road to Fulfillment
The gospel tells us that the search ends in Christ. He is the fulfillment of every longing, the answer to every question, and the source of every good thing. When we rest in Him, the striving ceases, and we find what we’ve been looking for all along.
As the song says, “You broke the bonds, and you loosed the chains.” Christ has already done the work. Our role is to stop searching elsewhere and trust Him as our all in all.
Reflection Question:
Are you still searching for fulfillment in your own efforts, or are you resting in the sufficiency of Christ?
Closing Thought:
You may feel like you haven’t found what you’re looking for, but the truth is, everything you need is already yours in Christ. Stop striving, and let His grace lead you to rest.