Content

He must increase, I must decrease.  John 3:30
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We are about halfway through the first month of the new year and I hope it’s been a happy beginning.  I picked up an old practice this January and prayed for a “word” for the year.  I hadn’t done it for a few years and thought it might be fun to see what the Lord put on my heart.  The word that stuck like glue was CONTENT.  I’ve had a couple weeks to settle in with the word and I find it brings me lots of peace.  I have come across a few things lately that seem to confirm the peace and joy that comes with being content.  It is my hope that this might be a word the Lord whispers to you too.

*Lord…am I doing my faith right, am I holy enough or a good enough disciple?  The reply came in these words:  What you love, you spend time with and what you spend time with becomes what you love most.  It’s not about a list of tasks or hoops to jump through to please him…it’s about spending time in prayer, in his word and in constant conversation with him asking for guidance and grace and that is enough.

*What are my priorities?  Is Jesus like my second kidney?  It’s nice to have and I value it greatly, but do I really need it?  Lord, help me make you my priority and be content with the fact that I need to be quiet and still and everything else will follow according to your plan. 

*Jesus…do I live like you are an accessory or a necessity?  In my contentment help me claim and cling to you like the air I breathe.

*Lord draw me so close to you I become lost in your shadow.  Help me be content to walk in your shadow instead of being seen and praised by the world.

*Humbly be where he puts you and know you’re there for a reason even if it’s a place of struggle.  Contentment creates humility.  At the Last Supper Jesus ministered with tenderness and peace.  If I were hours from death, would I be washing feet or expecting to be pampered?  Would I have been comforting and loving others or expecting them to do that for me?  Lord, help me be still and content so I can participate in whatever you’re doing.

Lord help me be content with the things I have instead of wanting more.  Help me be content with where I am instead of trying to get somewhere better.  Help me be content with the blessings and shadows dotting my life instead of wanting to trade for someone else’s life that looks easier or fancier.  Help me be content with serving and meeting other peoples needs and wants instead of my own.  Lord help me be content being  LESS so you can be MORE. 
 
A Seed To Plant: How content are you?  Ask the Lord to show you where you need to be still and content so you can live John 3:30.
 
Blessings on your day!