Does anyone else ever play the comparison game? Or am I alone? Several years ago I found myself in a funk. Seemed everyone else had a life and all I did was work, work, work! I worked for the school system; while everyone was planning their summer trips, I knew I would be in my office working! BORING!
It was a good thing that I loved my work. But during that season, God gave me Philippians 4:11-13.
"Not that I complain of want; for I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound; in any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want. I can do all things in him who strengthens me." Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, writes this while in prison!
If Paul could be content in prison, then I could be content at my desk. And we all know what happened to God's people when they murmured and complained in the desert! If you don't know, read Joshua. It wasn't a good ending; they got to spend 40 years wandering in the desert! I don't know about you, but I don't want to spend another day in the desert sun!
Theodore Roosevelt said; "Comparison is thief of joy"
Joy! Hasn't that been my heart's cry? To find joy! And all along, I was sabotaging my search. I wouldn't know joy while I was comparing my life to the lives of others. I need to learn the art of contentment.
With prayer, God's help and post it notes, I surrounded this issue of contentment. It's amazing what God can do in our hearts when we release our shortcomings to Him. He does heart surgery, removing the old and implanting the new!
Sometimes we just have to choose. Contentment over lack. Stop reading social media posts that aren't good for my soul. Be thankful for all the that we do have!
Dear Lord, help us to be content in whatever circumstances we are in. Help us to trust you with our hopes, dreams, and lives. For you are a good, good Father. And with you, we really don't lack a thing! Thank you for your grace and mercy! Amen.
Comments