We live in a world that is fighting for our hearts. We live in a culture that is all about the pursuit of happiness, pursuit of more and making it to “the next big thing”. Literally- the media, social media and the world advertises consumerism, materialism, having more and being more to find our sense of self. The brand-new car, the new house, the finished degree, the promotion, the fame and the money- don’t get me wrong, these things are all good. Trust me, they are. But sometimes, our hearts make it bad by polluting it by putting it above God and putting them the sole purpose of our lives.
In fact, these things in the world can be a channel of blessings, if we make it to be. We can bless others and use everything that God has entrusted us for His glory and for His mission. I know a good friend of mine that has been blessed with money and wealth, who used it as a tool to start a non-profit in her community to give to the homeless and the needy. I also know another sister in the faith who has used their new home as a place to start Bible studies and be the light to their neighbors. If God has blessed you and showed His favor upon you, it is up to you how you will use it. Will you use it for your own advancement or for the expansion of His kingdom?
The fact of the matter is, it is easy to praise God when things are roses and butterflies, isn’t it? In reality, we pray for the good days and we pray to be delivered from the bad days. But what if the blessings we pray for aren’t the “blessings” that God gives us? Blessings can also come through the trials- the lost job, the delay of then promotion and the heartache you are experiencing. It may not be our human definition of blessings but God can turn it for our own good and for His glory. He can turn the lost job so we can depend on Him more. He can turn the heartache to know that He is enough for us. I love the heart of apostle Paul in the book of Philippians, when he said:
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13
Wow, what a beautiful heart! Paul said that He learned it. It didn’t come out of nowhere but by experience and by constant highs and lows of life. He knows what it is to be in need and to have plenty.
Family and friends, if you are in the highs or lows of your life, take heart because we can find true contentment in Christ. We don’t need to stick to the status stigma of our society to feel enough or to be content. In fact, they are all lies, you will not be content once you hit your next goal. It will leave you in a trap of hedonistic treadmill, where you keep running and running without a destination. The truth is, you can find contentment right now even in the midst of your hardships. You can truly wake up in the morning and say, “Christ is enough and I am content” when you have Jesus.
