6-8 There is a real profit, of course, but it comes only to those who live contentedly as God would have them live. We brought absolutely nothing with us when we entered the world and we can be sure we shall take absolutely nothing with us when we leave it. Surely then, as far as physical things are concerned, it is sufficient for us to keep our bodies fed and clothed.
9-10 For men who set their hearts on being wealthy expose themselves to temptation. They fall into one of the world’s traps, and lay themselves open to all sorts of silly and wicked desires, which are quite capable of utterly ruining and destroying their souls. For loving money leads to all kinds of evil, and some men in the struggle to be rich have lost their faith and caused themselves untold agonies of mind.
11-12 But you, the man of God, keep clear of such things. Set your heart not on riches, but on goodness, Christ-likeness, faith, love, patience and humility. Fight the worthwhile battle of the faith, keep your grip on that life eternal to which you have been called, and to which you boldly professed your loyalty before many witnesses.
I Timothy 6:6-12 Phillips
How to be content in God?
What do I do with these passionate desires within me to be noticed, approved of, respected, esteemed, admired, and dare I say it, worshiped???
What do I do with the longing and desire for love, friendship, community, when it is not happening the way I earnestly wish it was?
I want to be content in Christ and what he has given me but trying to do so by putting a lid on a boiling pot of water and hoping all will be well is courting disaster of a major sort!
Oh, Lord give me the kind of heart to love you and desire you most of all and to be content with the life you have given me, the friends you have given me, the things you have given me to do. Here are all the desires of my heart. You alone are really the one that can soothe, calm, bring peace and contentment within. My part is to be honest and forthcoming with you about what I do desire and not try to deny it or whitewash it and pretend it is something else.
Why is my life not simple and quiet?
Why do I keep trying to cram all kinds of activities and worthy acts into a schedule and limits of time and energy where they just do not fit?
Isn't it because I am trying to make myself feel better?
that I am worthwhile?
that what I do is worthwhile?
that I am a kind and helpful person?
to try to establish something about my character that I want to believe is true?
But then I am harried, rushed, anxious, uptight, grumpy and very easily frustrated by anything or anyone who, without meaning to, interrupts these demands on time and energy that are stretched to the breaking point like an old brittle rubber band pulled way too far out.
In seeking to love others, especially those I live with and interact with frequently, there must be time and energy to focus and interact with them, time and energy to hear their needs and be responsive to them, time and energy to be courteous, kind, polite, helpful. Love is patient and is kind. I Corinthians 13:4 NIV
this cannot occur when I am frazzled and impatient and frustrated and anxious.
To be in a relationship with anyone means needs, interruptions, opportunities to connect on someone else's timetable not mine.
this all takes time and availability
it requires a life that has margins and flexibility to adjust to another
I cannot do this if I am being driven along by my own desires, expectations, etc.
The key is for me to be content. But how?
to pour out all my heart and all my desires, the good, the bad and the ugly
to Him who alone is able to take all that burning desire a
and pour in his cool and soothing peace and fill me with his love.
I am his child.
I am a part of his body.
He has made me a part.
Find my identity and value there.
In Him and what He has done and is doing.
I am loved, not because of any character in me, any traits or talents I have
or anything I can do or not do.
I am loved because He IS LOVE.
and he loves me
right here in the middle of my mess and my desires and my struggles.
He wants to set me on a firm foundation that cannot be shaken.
I am valuable because He has put value on my life,
whether I feel this or not.
I am loved because He loves me,
whether I feel this way or not.
He has given me meaningful work to do,
whether I feel it is so or not.
Let him define this, not me.
Let me be content to do what He has set before me,
whether big or small in my own estimation.
He has given me this place to serve, these people to love.
Oh Lord let me desire large and wonderful things for you
and be available for all you want
But let me be content when what you ask is small in my eyes
care for this man, be a friend to this woman
take time to listen and give my full attention to you
work towards a space that is clean and orderly
clean some clothes, some dishes
sweep a floor, make a bed
make some food to nourish, strengthen and enjoy
help a child with homework
For this is holy ground you tread.
Zechariah 4:10 NKJV
"For who has despised the day of small things?
For these seven rejoice to see,
the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel.
They are the eyes of the LORD,
which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth"
you see this is done out of love for you
and desire to love others
Luke 16:10a
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.Mother Teresa of Calcutta
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives, be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous of you. Be happy anyway.
The good you do. may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.
Matthew 25:40
New International Version (NIV)
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Henri Nouwen 2/21/14"Human relationships easily become possessive. Our hearts so much desire to be loved that we are inclined to cling to the person who offers us love, affection, friendship, care, or support. Once we have seen or felt a hint of love, we want more of it. That explains why lovers so often bicker with each other. Lovers' quarrels are quarrels between people who want more of each other than they are able or willing to give.
It is very hard for love not to become possessive because our hearts look for perfect love and no human being is capable of that. Only God can offer perfect love. Therefore, the art of loving includes the art of giving one another space. When we invade one another's space and do not allow the other to be his or her own free person, we cause great suffering in our relationships. But when we give another space to move and share our gifts, true intimacy becomes possible."
"Protect me, God,
because I trust in you.
I said to the Lord, 'You are my Lord.
Every good thing I have comes from you.'
There are godly people in the world. I enjoy them.
But those who turn to idols will have much pain.
I will not offer blood to those idols.
I won't even speak their names.
No, the Lord is all I need.
He takes care of me.
My share in life has been pleasant.
My part has been beautiful.
I praise the Lord because he guides me.
even at night, I feel his leading.
I keep the Lord before me always.
because he is close by my side.
I will not be hurt.
So, I rejoice and I am glad.
Even my body has hope.
This is because you will not leave me in the grave.
You will not let your holy one rot.
You will teach me God's way to live.
Being with you will fill me with joy.
At your right hand I will find pleasure forever.
Psalm 16 International Children's Bible
linking today with Emily Wierenga at
