Life Is Not a Game of Go Fish
J. B. Hixson, Ph.D.
February 11, 2010

He who is full loathes honey, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet. (Proverbs 27:7)

Recently I was playing a game of Go Fish with my eight year old son, Landry.  It is quite entertaining to watch a child's mind at work.  This particular game of Go Fish was especially fun because the cards were not the usual numbered playing cards.  Instead, they contained a variety of photos-a bicycle, a rain coat, flowers, a lobster, etc.  I could see Landry's wheels turning as he drew cards and narrowed down the possibilities. 

"Do you have any c-l-o-w-n-s?" Landry asked, emphasizing the key word by saying it slowly.  "Go fish," I replied.  Then I asked, "Do you have any skateboards?"  "Ugh! How did you know?" he moaned.  And back and forth we went until one of us (usually him) emptied his hand of all his cards.  Such fun-especially the look on a child's face when he wins!

It occurs to me that many people go through life as if it were a game of Go Fish.  They evaluate their lives, try to figure out what is missing, and then fill that void with what appears to correspond to their need at the moment.  Lonely?  Go fish.  (Hand me another drink.)  Need self-esteem?  Go fish. (Tear others down to hide my own insecurity.)  Need a new TV or nicer car?  Go fish. (Spend money I don't have.)  Looking for meaning or purpose in life?  Go fish. (Read another book by Dr. Phil.)

Life is not a game of Go Fish.  No matter how long you play; no matter how many times you draw, you will never find true contentment drawing from the world's stack of cards.  The stack is never ending.  There always will be more cards to draw.  That is because, as the Bible reminds us, to the hungry soul every bitter thing seems sweet.  But to those who have found true peace with God, even the sweetest honey will have no appeal. 

Is it your turn to draw?  Let me encourage you to set the cards aside and turn to the Word of God as the only real solution to life's problems.  No matter what you are facing, the Bible has the answers. Within its pages we find everything we need for life and godliness.  Most importantly, the Bible introduces us to Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who died for our sins and rose again.  He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  In Him is life, and that life is the Light of men.  In Him, we can have abundant life. 

Have you trusted in Jesus Christ to forgive your sin and give you the free gift of eternal life?  If not, the time to do so is now...before the game ends and you lose.  If you already have a relationship with Christ by faith, let me encourage you to resist the temptation to join that old Go Fish game.  Instead of reaching for that futile deck of cards, pick up the Bible instead.  It will satisfy your every need.