Savoring the Savior #2

“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”
Philippians 4:11

Contentment is such an elusive state of mind. Why? Why is it that we rebel against a God who is perfect, who is all-knowing, and who has our very best in mind? We rebel and instead take our lives into our own hands, weaving our own plans, all the while reaching but not grasping that ever-elusive contentment.

Yet contentment is not attainable apart from living centered in God’s will. God is faithful. God is faithful – no matter what! We must rest in that confidence, and only then will contentment envelop us.

“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
Proverbs 19:21

In a sense then, our contentment is directly proportionate to our obedience. God does say in Romans 8:28 that “in all things God works for the good” but it is followed by “for those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” The love here is active – how do we show love? One way is to obey Him. We obey Him by leaving our lives in His hands and trusting Him with the outcome. We trust God to meet our very deepest needs. Only He can do that – no one and nothing else. When that happens, contentment blossoms.

When we begin to feel the chords of discontent strumming in our hearts, we must ask ourselves – am I desiring now whatever God wants – what is His will, or am I lost in desiring what I want at this time? As we grow in relation to God, the two are often reflections of one another; yet the moment we take our eyes off God and lose focus on Him as our sole source of contentment, too often our “wants” shift as well.

Godliness with contentment is great gain.
1 Timothy 6:6

Holy Father, help us (help ME) to focus on you, to embrace that only you can reach into the depths of my heart and meet my every need in Your perfect way. Help me to have complete confidence in Your plans for my life. When those plans don’t seem to be a reflection of my wants, please help me to understand that means I have taken my eyes off of You.

“Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Psalm 73:25-26

Savoring the Savior

Pausing on the Sabbath to recognize and be grateful for God, His creation, and all the wonderful things He's doing!

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March 29, 2009 - Savoring The Simple Things
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God has given me so much more than I could ever need, and yet too often I find myself focusing on the things I DON'T have or the things I want instead. Today, my heart has been overwhelmed with the conviction to look around me with gratefulness for all the "simple things" that God has either surrounded me with naturally or given me the means to obtain.

• Looking out the window ... the sun is shining again, the wind is calm, and spring is peeking out again
• I am thinking ... about how grateful I am for good friends
• From my kitchen ... a tall glass of cold milk. Yum!
• I am thankful for ... the ways technology has helped to connect me to friends, both old and new
• Coziness ... my favorite black sweats, teal tank, white sweat jacket, and comfy socks
• Favorite things that surround me today ... super plush blanket, lotion, scented candles
  
• I am reading ... My Sister's Keeper (and have a massive stack of books to follow)
• I am praying ... that God will continue to quiet my heart and make His will for me known
• Laughter ... soothes the heart and rejuvenates the soul
• I am hoping ... that it will be a productive week - and that Friday will return quickly
• Holding close to my heart ... the dream to be a wife and mommy
• God is telling me ... that I need to invest as much time reading His word as I do reading other things. Ouch! :-)
• Simple pleasures ... my cats curling up beside me and purring, unexpected letters or emails from friends, worship music, blankets, books, ... and oh, so much more!

Thank you, Lord, for all that you have blessed me with in life, both tangible and intangible. How could I possibly ask for more? Please help my heart to be constantly aware of Your presence in my life, your blessings, and your wonderful ways of working in me.