Faith along the way

The past few months, I’ve felt the need to clean up and clean out around the house; to purge, to clear out things I haven’t used or worn in a long time. I do it a little at a time as my health issues allow. It’s exhausting to keep up with a lot of “stuff”! There is also the fact that the Lord has been dealing with me regarding being content. I am learning to ask myself if I really need that amazing thing I just saw on a Facebook ad, or if I just want it. So tempting sometimes, isn’t it?

Dictionary.com defines content as: (1) mentally or emotionally satisfied with things as they are, (2) to make content or satisfied, and (3) peace of mind; mental or emotional satisfaction. The apostle Paul states it this way in Philippians 4:11-13(NKJV): “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. What an amazing life Paul led and how God used him, despite his past. Paul’s purpose was to glorify God and spread the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ and encourage the church.

To be content, truly content, comes from bowing our heart and mind to God’s will, no matter what conditions we endure, no matter what circumstances we are faced with. Like Paul, we are to be content in want or need, in luxury or not. That’s not always easy, especially when we take our eyes off Jesus. The world is full of tempting things that sparkle and beguile us, and we have an enemy that wants us to lose focus and take our eyes off our Lord. We live in a world that screams excess and thinks bigger and better, and more expensive is the way. Oh, and just because it is on sale doesn’t always mean we need to buy it (does it?).

Please understand I am not saying we shouldn’t buy anything, or spend money, or upgrade items. I’m saying that should not be our primary focus. We are to make spiritual matters and furthering the kingdom our priority. I may purchase the cool shoes (sorry honey…not really) and I may buy that purse…. but I am learning that I just don’t always need to give in to the urge to buy, buy, buy. Being content with what I have, that is a lesson I am learning. In spiritual terms, I want to be more like Paul: obedient to the Lord, focused on Him, doing the will of the Lord…whatever He is calling me to do, to be content in every situation and circumstance. I want that peace of mind that only comes from drawing closer to my Lord.

I hope this encourages you in some way. I just wanted to share what the Lord has been speaking to my heart.

As always, blessings to you,

Jackie