Do you want to feel content? Are you challenged by the lives of others or the material goods surrounding you?
Michael and I were strolling around the mall a few weeks ago. He needed a couple new dress shirts. It was a wonderful time getting out on a little date. Yet, as I looked in various stores, I could feel discontent brewing within me. As I walked past the food court, I was frustrated with the realization that there was nothing I could eat. I have too many allergies and intolerances. Although I was full at the moment and didn’t need anything.
Michael wanted to go into the Cinema store. We laughed as we reminisced over the various shows and funny lines. But the more we talked about it, the sadder I got in the reality that I can’t watch anything. TV is still one of the hardest activities for me to do post-concussion. So, I have missed out on three years of television and movie enjoyment. But I’ve quite enjoyed reading and learning again.
The discontentment grew louder in my head as we continued to pass clothing stores. We are trying to be wise with our money and therefore have a small budget for clothing while we pay off our house. That is our choice. I especially have plenty of clothes, but I wanted more new ones at that moment.
Then I realized what I was doing. I noticed I was constantly complaining to myself as we meandered around the mall. I didn’t like my attitude and asked the Lord to help me change it. Then He helped me to switch my thoughts. As we walked around, I started making a list of things I was grateful for. Peace entered my soul and the desire for the other things fell away. Even though some of the heaviness of my situation was still looming, I was able to feel blessed. I was able to enjoy the moment with Michael again. I could treasure the time we had to spend together, rather than go home disappointed.
You see, God is sufficient and what He gives us is enough. If we have clothes to wear, food on our table, and a roof over our head – our needs are met. If we have friends and family that love us, we are blessed. If we have breath in our lungs, we have purpose.
“Don’t
collect for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy and
where thieves break in and steal. But collect for yourselves treasures in
heaven, where neither moth and rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in
and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also…
No one can be a ‘slave of two masters, since either he will hate one and love
the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot be slaves of
God and of money.
This is why I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you
will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food
and the body more than clothing? …For the idolaters eagerly seek all these
things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the
kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for
you.” Matthew 6:19-21, 24, 32-33
I’m not saying it is wrong to enjoy shopping and getting things you want. I’m not saying you shouldn’t enjoy nice things in your home or going out for fine cuisine. What I am asking is where is your heart in what you’re doing? It wasn’t wrong for us to go shopping or to look at all the nice things in the windows. But my attitude and heart were in the wrong place. At that moment I wanted more money and health, instead of being grateful for all that God has given me in the present. It was a heart-check to show me that I was getting distracted and focused on things that don’t really matter.
I know that God is not only sufficient, but He is all-loving as well. He cares not only about my needs but about my wants as well. Time and time again, He has provided in abundance during my greatest needs. He has also blessed me in so many of my wants. “Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us— to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” – Ephesians 3:20-21.
I know that day at the mall was over silly things. I know there have been times when the need was much greater, where these Scriptural principals spoke more profoundly. But I think they can be applied for little things or greater needs, because it’s more about the heart attitude and mindset than the item itself.
Regardless of the circumstances, God knows our needs and wants. He deeply cares about our lives and will provide in His appointed times.
Is there something you’re feeling discontent about? Take some time to give your concerns to the Lord and ask Him to change your heart’s attitude.
