by MeredithNMills | Sep 2, 2016 | Hope in the Midst of Heartache, knowing God, Uncategorized, Victorious Living, Waiting, Walking by Faith
Did we take a wrong turn somewhere, God?
Did we take a wrong turn?
This path we’re on is bumpier than I expected. I’m not seeing many “green pastures” or much “still water.” It’s certainly not glamorous.
I was kind of hoping for something more exciting, less mundane. I know You lead down “paths of righteousness,” but isn’t there a less exhausting one?
That path over there…the pleasant-looking, grass-is-greener one? I think I’d like that one better. It looks easier, more productive, more… well, fun.
Can’t we give that one a try?
Do you ever have such conversations with God?
Ever feel frustrated, discontent, even disillusioned with the path on which God has you? Ever compare your life with others and wish your days looked more like theirs? Or maybe memories of past seasons or dormant dreams make you long for something…different.
Life has a way of not turning out the way we envisioned, no matter how good we have it.
Sometimes I whine and complain, as evidenced by the above conversation (“inspired” by this past month).
I’m so thankful that God isn’t impatient, that He continues loving and leading me, no matter how I grumble along the way. Sometimes I’m in awe of how gracious and “longsuffering” He is.
In my grumbling seasons, God faithfully reminds me that He Himself is the only Source of true joy and satisfaction. “The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail” (Is 58:11). “Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days” (Ps 90:14).
Did we take a wrong turn?
He never promised that life would be easy. On the contrary, He said, “If any of you wants to be My follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow Me” (Lk 9:23).
Some days are crazy hard, but “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13).
By faith, I trust that He has “given us everything we need for a godly life through the knowledge of Him…” (2 Pet 1:3).
When I grow weary, I remember that “at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Gal 6:9).
Sometimes He leads through the valley of the shadow of death, yet He is always with us (even when we don’t feel Him). He knows when we become “weary and burdened,” so He invites to come find rest in Him beside quiet waters (Ps 23, Matt 11:28-30).
He Himself is each need’s satisfaction and every heart’s greatest pleasure.
Did we take a wrong turn?
Are you on a difficult path? Have you been grumbling about your circumstances? How does Jesus satisfy you when life is hard? I’d love to hear – please join the conversation!
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by MeredithNMills | Mar 10, 2016 | Uncategorized
Contentment…it sounds blissful, does it not?
I think of resting in a beach hammock – a warm breeze whispering through palm trees, waves lapping against the shore, a good book and a refreshing drink. Peace. Quiet. Beauty. Comfort. Oh yes, I could be content there.
But for most of us, most of the time, reality looks quite different.
My reality looks more like busyness and messiness and overall craziness. And noise. Lots of noise. I often think of Dory from Finding Nemo – “Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming.”
Over the last few days, I’ve found myself wrestling with contentment. True to His character, God met me tonight in my place of struggle and whispered this reminder in my heart: “…Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Tim 6:6).
Paul, who penned the above verse, also said this about contentment: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Phil 4:11). He had learned. It didn’t come naturally to him. He said, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Phil 4:12).
I find it interesting that Paul had to learn contentment in times of plenty. I often think I’d naturally be content if I just had (fill in the blank). But Paul knew that things never satisfy. Even in plenty, the human heart craves more. (See Prov 27:20.)
So how can we, like Paul, learn this secret to contentment? As with any struggle we face, God starts in our hearts and minds. When we know the truth, we experience freedom. God transforms us by renewing our minds. (See Jn 8:32, Rom 12:2, Col 3:10.)
Here’s what I realized as I pondered this issue today. If I’m discontent, I’m probably doing one (or both) of the following:
- believing that circumstances control my happiness
- comparing myself to someone else.
If circumstances control my happiness, then I am a victim. I cannot rise above the struggles or pain or challenges that come my way. I’m stuck here until something changes – which could be forever, if I’ve experienced loss or been deeply wounded or feel shame over past sin.
If I’m comparing myself to someone else, my focus is misplaced. I’m wishing for what God has given another, instead of embracing the gifts He’s given me – the life, the ministry, the work, the talents, the story… (2 Cor 10:12).
Once I recognize the lies I’m believing, I can capture them and subject them to the truth of Scripture (2 Cor 10:3-5):
- I am complete in Christ (Col 2:10).
- God has removed my sin as far as the east is from the west (Ps 103:12).
- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil 4:13).
- God gives beauty for ashes (Is 61:3).
- God assigns my areas of influence and ministry (2 Cor 10:13).
- God has given me everything I need for life and godliness (2 Pet 1:3).
- God richly supplies all of my needs, for my provision and enjoyment (Phil 4:19, 1 Tim 6:17).
- I have a heavenly inheritance (1 Pet 1:4).
- God’s grace is enough (2 Cor 12:9).
The richest people on earth are those whose hearts are satisfied – with Jesus and the gifts He has given.
How about you? Any thoughts on this issue? What causes you to feel discontent? How do you choose contentment? I’d love to hear from you!
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