job. Two beautiful children. A deliciously wonderful husband. We love God. Go to
a fantastic church. Live in a nice house. In a nice street. In a good
neighbourhood. My children attend a fine school. We make memories each year on
vacation. I am healthy. My family is healthy. None of us has emotional scars or
mental illness. We are happy and flourishing.
Yet I want more.
It
calls out to me. You know, more. The bigger house, nicer car, luxurious
vacation. They call to me with pressure and guilt. Make my life seem hopeless
and inferior.
Content. Why am I not content?
We
blame media, commercialism, and consumerism, but there is a deeper problem. Sin.
Covetousness. The tenth commandment. The deception of Eve. Fooled to think God
is holding something back. When the opposite is truth. God has more. I receive
it through contentment.
Trust in God is a life of paradox. Hungry for
more of him, yet filled with the Spirit. Pursuing destiny from the vantage point
of rest. Satisfied whether in abound, or abased (Philippians
4:12).
Contentment is a choice. Psalm 23 provides a few tips on the
attitude of a satisfied soul.
The Lord, my Shepherd
The Lord
is my shepherd… (Psalm 23:1).
Sheep are prone to wander aimless,
following every impulse, unless they have a shepherd. There are many
distractions in this world, vying for attention, steering toward a whim in an
instant. Keep your eyes on the Shepherd. Don’t get caught up in fads or what
others do. Follow His lead and you will be content.
I shall not
want
…I have all that I need (Psalm 23:1).
Many objects we
want, but few we truly need. Trouble follows those who strive after wants. We
sing, “Jesus, you’re all I need.” But are they empty words? Is he all you need?
Is he all I need?
Christ is more intimately acquainted with you than you
are. He is aware of your needs and will provide. Jesus is all you need. May the
rhetoric become a revelation.
Let me rest
He lets me rest in
green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams (Psalm 23:2).
The Good
Shepherd gives rest. With the current pace of life, many have forgotten what it
means to rest. Even on their day off they can’t slow down. Rest is important.
Spiritual rest more so. Switch off your phone and other devices. Eliminate
stimulants and give your soul a chance to rest. Once you have experienced his
peace, you will know contentment.
On the right path
He renews
my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name (Psalm
23:3).
Jealousy results in discontent. Different paths may seem more
attractive but Jesus has it all mapped out for you. The grass is not greener on
the other side. Trust him. Following his path has rewards. And greatest of all,
his name is honoured.
And in the valley
Even when I
walkthrough the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside
me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me (Psalm 23:4).
Paul
knew to be content in the highs and lows. As did Job. Would I? If all was taken
away in a night, would I sing bless the Lord? Could I say the Lord is my
Shepherd, I have all I need?
He is with us in the valley. What is lost
will be restored. He is working all things together for good. That is our God.
We don’t need anything else.
Honoured life
You prepare a feast
for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil
(Psalm 23:5).
When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness he told him to
turn stone into bread. Temporary relief. Immediate satisfaction. Jesus replied,
“People shall live by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew
4:4).
Satan only offers bread. Father will give you a feast. Live by his
Word. Don’t be tempted by the world. It has nothing more than bread. You are
destined for a feast.
You are blessed
My cup overflows with
blessings (Psalm 23:5).
Life overflows when you live for Jesus – pressed
down, shaken together, running over. Busyness crowds our perspective, problems
overwhelm, abundant overflow forgotten. Count your blessings. Be thankful. Be
satisfied. To most of the world, your life is the stuff of dreams. You are
living in abundance.
Pursued by goodness and mercy
Surely your
goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life (Psalm
23:6).
And if overflow was not enough, goodness and mercy will hunt you
down every day of your life. That’s right, hunt you down – goodness and mercy.
Goodness is coming after you because you don’t have enough. You need more
goodness. Receive it!
Feeling frustrated lately? Mercy is hunting you
down. Grace erases exasperation. Perhaps you are living a little too fast. Get
back in sync with God. The necessary mercy will catch up, dissolving all
frustration.
Assured of heaven
And I will live in the house of
the Lord forever (Psalm 23:6).
In Psalm 84 the writer expresses, “Oh, to
be a sparrow and build my nest in the rafters of God’s house.” Enthralled in
God’s presence, the author cannot imagine a more stimulating environment.
“Better one day in God’s courts than a thousand elsewhere.”
Nowhere on
earth is like house of God. A house of freedom. A house of courage. A house of
victory. Where the Lord satisfies desires, renews strength, and heals disease.
There’s no place I’d rather be.
Oh yes, I can bless the Lord. I am
content.
[written by Sarah Coleman]
