It certainly has been an interesting winter so far here in Virginia. Last week I wrote about the snow that affected my sisters’ wedding but considering the snow that my family saw this past weekend we are truly thankful for the slight inconvenience a week ago!
As I watched the snow fall on Friday it was a beautiful sight. It’s too bad that my mind kept drifting (pun intended) to all the shoveling that would certainly follow. I could not just enjoy the beauty and deal with the shoveling in due time.
Unfortunately that is how I view much of life—I can’t enjoy the moment because I am dreading or fearing something that hasn’t yet happened. This is a lack of contentment.
Keep your lives free from the love of money {possessions, position, power, people…anything we put before God} and be content with what you have, because God has said,
"Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you."So we say with confidence,
"The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?"Hebrews 13:5-6 NIV {mine}
So, there you have it. Simple, right? I believe God’s Word to be true so why do I continue to fret and fear? Why can’t I just be content regardless of my circumstances? The most obvious answer is because I am human. The harder, more honest answer is because my belief has not made its way to my heart. I am too busy with life to stay still long enough for what I am learning to pierce my soul and take hold of me.
If you are struggling, like me, to keep God in His rightful place in your life (first), I would encourage you to stop and take note. This may require you to go to a room alone and cry out to God telling Him your struggles. His will and desire for you is contentment in Him and all that He is providing. Thank Him for caring about you enough to want to hear from you. Thank and praise Him for His provision of both the good and the bad.
Here is an example of how I could/should have responded to the snow:
Thank you Lord for the beautiful snow which covered the branches so elegantly and will provide water to the ground. Thank you for the time to not have to rush from one thing to the next. Help me to accept any burdens the snow may cause. Thank you that I have a strong back and a shovel. Thank you for my driveway which means I have a home. You have provided all of this and I am grateful.
Certainly this is not all inclusive but I think you get the idea. I encourage you to pray a prayer of your own, if not now, then very soon.
Since the groundhog saw his shadow we may have a few more opportunities to show our gratitude and contentment.
Will you be ready?
Have a great day!