The Ache for Meaning

Will I have enough? Am I enough? Do I matter?

Deep in our souls is an ache that longs to be noticed, filled, transformed. And that ache boils down to these three fundamental questions.

The extraordinary thing is that we find the answers to all three questions in the temptations of Christ. As Jesus faces the wilderness, the core needs of every human being are on display: the ache to be secure, to be approved of, to have some control over our lives. But the ways that we are tempted to fill these needs inevitably fail.

In The Ache for Meaning, Tommy Brown journeys through our questions and temptations into the deeper invitation Jesus offers. In the mindsets and practices Christ embodied, we discover what kept him centered on his identity and purpose—and what equips us to do the same. Because when you know where you’ve come from and where you’re going, daily temptations toward security, approval, and power to control pale in comparison to your most significant reality: You are a child of God.

A rich discipleship resource.
Includes questions for reflection and discussion.
Features invitations into spiritual disciplines and practices, like Scripture meditation, Sabbath taking, worship, and gratitude, among others.

Table of contents

1 . The Three Questions We’ve Always Asked
2 . The Foundation of Identity

THE FIRST QUESTION: WILL I HAVE ENOUGH?
3 . Temptation: Strive for Security
4 . Invitation: Choose to Trust
5 . Practice: Rest in Sabbath

THE SECOND QUESTION: AM I ENOUGH?
6 . Temptation: Perform for Approval
7 . Invitation: Open Your Heart in Gratitude
8 . Practice: Meditate on Scripture

THE THIRD QUESTION: DO I MATTER?
9 . Temptation: Control through Power
10. Invitation: Seek to Be Meek
11. Practice: Walk in Worship