Standing, standing I'm standing on the promises of God.
"But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.
But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs." (1 Timothy 6:6-10)
I want my heart to be overflowing with gratitude for what I have been given by Jesus Christ. I want to be so caught up in the blessings of my life that I cannot be tricked into focusing on the things that I lack.
If I really stand back and look at my life I have nothing to regret. If Jesus took me home right now I doubt that I would look back and wish I had obtained so much more on this earth! I will simply wish that I had been more of an impact on this earth for His Kingdom.
If I know this then why am I sometimes caught up in the belief that I don't have enough? Why do I find myself restless and ready for something new? Why have I compared my life and what I have to others and felt as if I was missing something? I do this because I am not pursuing the things that God has commanded of me. It's not rocket science!
"Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." (I Timothy 6:11-12)
The Afters have a song that says, "You lift me up when I am weak. Your arms wrap around me. Your love catches me so I'm letting go." If the arms of the Master of All has His arms wrapped around me then why should I focus on what this world, my flesh and my enemy say I am lacking? It's because I am still tethered to this world by my flesh. My spirit in thriving and alive in the presence of Jesus. The Holy Spirit resides in me and tries so hard to keep me on track.
I hesitate to say "but" after the above sentence. I don't want a "but" in my life! When I focus on my perceived lack in this materialistic world I am bringing disgrace on the name of my Lord. How can I forget that He provides for every aspect of nature so easily? And yet He says in His word that I am more precious than even nature!
Really? I seem to prefer to think I'm less than precious in the eyes of my Father. I think in a very twisted way it feels safer that way. If I keep my earthly eyes on my earthly prize then I don't have to really trust my spiritual eyes. Sad thing is that my earthly eyes are very weak! I am legally blind, good ol' 20/400 vision.
So my reality is that I trust my weary, worn out eye balls over the perfect eyes Jesus has given me. I don't trust my eyes to pour a glass of milk with out the help of my super strong eyeglasses, yet I let them guide me daily in my walk. Showing me in all the blurriness of astigmatism what it is that I lack in my life. I'm blindly leading my life when the Holy Spirit is pleading with me to let Him take my hand and lead me on the correct path. I'm heading for cliffs, pot holes and slippery slopes on my own. With Jesus I'm able to walk freely without worrying about stumbling and potentially harming myself.
Contentment is the acknowledgement and satisfaction of reaching capacity.
Serenity.
Gladness.
Ease.
Peace.
It is well with my soul.
It is well.
No matter what happens.
No matter who I lose.
No matter how much I hurt.
No matter.
This is true contentment as far as I can figure out with my limited mind. Life is so much more than what my poor eyes are seeing.
Hope.
Love.
Friendship.
Grace.
Miracles.
Family.
Prayers answered.
Relationships restored.
Marriage.
Kids.
Grandbabies.
Laughter.
Fellowship.
Chocolate. <:)>
Overcomers.
So many things around me should be in focus. I've got to take off the lenses of this world and slip on the clear vision of the Holy Spirit. My time here is so limited. I'm pretty tired of wasting it on the "what ifs." This life is so full of them! The ifs of life mean nothing.
I'm not here to glorify and worship the ifs/maybes of this life!
I'm created to worship the Creator and to be about His business.
I want to show that He is a living God not a dead god still in the tomb. How can my witness be powerful if I am wandering around, sightless and grumbling for a better tomorrow. What about right now? Scripture says if I have food and clothing I am to be content. It's enough!
Dear Abba,
Lead me to the cross, where Your love poured out. Bring me to my knees, Lord I lay me down. Rid me of myself, I belong to You. Lead me to the cross.
Take everything I have if it gets me focused on You. Remove every desire I have for material gain and worldly things. Tear it out of me God! Yes, I know a wound will remain but I know that You will heal it.
I'm tired of the rat race. I'm tired of comparison. I'm tired of striving for more. I'm tired of the constant worry. I'm weary of it all. I just want You and nothing more. Everything else is just the icing on the cake. You are what I truly desire but I am so covered by the world. I'm so caught up in my sinful nature.
Help me clear my vision. Remove these scales trying to become permanent over my eyes. What have I besides You? I want nothing but You. I belong to You. Claim what is Yours and free me from these self-imposed chains of discontentment and selfishness.
Take it all because I don't want anything but You Lord.
Lead me to the cross.
-M
Good Word this morning!! Thank you!
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