My thoughts fired around something like this:
If only my kids would listen. If only my husband did everything I wanted him to do, when I wanted him to do it, without me having to ask. If only my baby slept. If only I slept… If only… if only…then. Then I would be content.
The opposing thought hit me like a ton of bricks – But would I really?
If I live dependent on my circumstances, will I ever really be content?
2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “But (the Lord) said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you…’”.
If his grace is giving us something even when we don’t deserve it, then the height of his grace is Jesus. He is the ultimate gift that we could never earn or deserve. And he is enough.
But I know from experience that we can so innocently put our hope in things of this world – someone else’s behavior, sleep, an appointment, an opportunity, a conference, a getaway, a relationship… anything we look to with anticipation that “maybe this will be it.”
But Jesus is all that is “it”. And when we are rooted and anchored in him, we can have a right perspective of everything else.
So what does this mean? If you feel discontent or dissatisfied, here are some thoughts and scripture for practical application:
- The Gospel – again and again and again, the Gospel is always the answer. Jesus. He loves you all the way to the cross. And if anything about the Gospel ever seems commonplace, then there is a tremendous miss on our end. Take it to God. Ask Him – what are you missing if you aren’t entirely captivated by the Gospel?
- Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” (John 21:22) Especially in an age of social media where so much is publicly displayed, we can get so distracted by what is going on around us, what others have and what we don’t. Keep your eyes on Jesus. (Hebrews 12:1-3). And stay thankful. (Colossians 2:7, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
- Don’t stay in the same spot. Life can be so hard, and it can be filled with so much blessing. And I think it also can be both at the same time. But regardless of season, keep growing. Keep spending time with God. Open up His Word. Ask him what he wants to show you. Talk with a friend, a mentor, someone who has been through the same thing. Like anything else God calls us to, he will make growth possible in every season. (2 Peter 3:18)
- Know who you are. I believe all sin and discontentment is rooted in identity. But if you put your faith in Jesus, you are made new (2 Corinthians 5:17) and have a solid foundation (Luke 6:46-49). And you are who He says you are. Study: Ephesians 1:1-14, Colossians 1:21-23, 2:6-15, 3:1-17
- Know who God is. It is the most important thing about us. Join me in this study, follow these posts and dive into the related scripture, open up the Bible and study it with people… however you get to know Him, but nothing else will matter if we don’t have a right view of God.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. – 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. – Philippians 4:6-9
GOD, the Master, The Holy of Israel, has this solemn counsel: “Your salvation requires you to turn back to me and stop your silly efforts to save yourselves. Your strength will come from settling down in complete dependence on me – The very thing you’ve been unwilling to do.” – Isaiah 30:15-17 MSG
Soaking in the Son 