pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: contentment


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Help and Hope

Reading: Psalm 146:5-10

Psalm 146:5 – “The person whose help is the God of Jacob… whose hope rests on the Lord their God – is truly happy!”

Psalm 146 celebrates God’s activity on behalf of those in need. The psalmist declares that those who seek help from God and who place their hope in God, they will be “truly happy.” When God is the one we turn to, hope in, trust… then our focus becomes our relationship with the God “who is faithful forever.” We can rejoice even in our trials and sufferings because we know that God will triumph over all these things one day.

In verses 6-8 the psalmist speaks of the Lord’s activity in specific ways. We could re-write these verses, substituting in ways that God has acted in our lives. We could name a time when God brought justice to a time when we were being mistreated. We could write of the time when the Lord freed us from a prison of our own making. Just as the psalmist rejoices in the ways that God feeds the hungry, opens blind eyes, lifts the lowly, and protects the vulnerable, we too can celebrate moments when God has done these very things (and more) for us.

Daily remembering that we are “the person whose help is the God of Jacob… whose hope rests on the Lord their God,” we can daily draw upon the power and presence of our God. Drawing upon, leaning into, trusting in God, we can find and live out the happiness and contentment found in Psalm 146. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, you reign forever, over all the earth! Your presence is constant, your love is neverending. Daily you desire to walk with each of us, from the least to the greatest. Open each of our hearts to receive you, to surrender to your will and ways, to be your hands, feet, and love in the world. Daily use each of us to draw all people into your help and hope. Amen.


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Sweeter Than Honey

Reading: Psalm 119:97-104

Psalm 119:103 – “Your word is so pleasing to my taste buds – it’s sweeter than honey in my mouth!”

Today’s reading is the thirteenth section of Psalm 119. This longest Psalm is an acrostic, each section using a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The 22 sections of this Psalm use that letter as the first letter in each verse in that section. Sadly, this is lost in translation.

What is not lost in translation is the psalmist’s love for God’s instruction. As we read these eight verses we can feel how in love the writer is with God and with God’s word. The scriptures are ever on the psalmist’s mind, bringing wisdom and understanding, insight and guidance. Because of this steadfast commitment to God’s word, the psalmist does not walk on “evil paths” and does not deviate from following the Law. This deep and faithful attention to God’s word brings great joy and contentment to the psalmist.

In verse 103 we read, “Your word is so pleasing to my taste buds – it’s sweeter than honey in my mouth!” While one cannot literally taste words – any words – we can relate to how the psalmist feels. At some point we’ve all received a note or a text or a card that has touched our heart, making us smile really big inside or making us feel like we were wrapped in love. Scripture holds this same power. We can read a passage and feel joy or assurance or peace. We can feel God’s love and grace in the words we read. As we daily turn to God’s word, may it richly bless us as it does the psalmist. May it be so!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your power and grace and love that flows throughout the Bible. We rejoice in the ways that your word touches our lives, carrying us through a struggle, comforting us in our pain, encouraging us in our steady walk of faith. We praise you for your living and active word. Amen.


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But as For You…

Reading: 1st Timothy 6:6-16

1st Timothy 6:11 – “But as for you, man [or woman] of God, pursue righteousness, holy living, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness.”

Photo credit: Caleb Jones

As we turn to 1st Timothy today and tomorrow, we see that idolatry is still a struggle for the people of God. The situation is no different today. In Paul’s day, false teachers were trying to get rich instead of trying to save souls. They bickered with one another because their motivation was selfish. In verse 7 Paul writes this eternal truth: “We didn’t bring anything into the world and so we can’t take anything out of it.” In Paul’s day, just as it is today, many who were trying to get rich were falling into all kinds of temptations. This sad reality leads Paul to this observation: “The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” We could easily substitute power, status, popularity… for the word “money.”

Starting in verse 11, Paul presents a different way of living. In this verse he commands Timothy (and us) to this way of living: “But as for you, man [or woman] of God, pursue righteousness, holy living, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness.” To live in the will and ways of God contrasts sharply with living in the ways of the world. Instead of seeking personal gain in many forms, a life of faith leads us to first love God and then to love neighbor. The focus on self is minimalized as we pursue righteousness, holy living… Paul goes on to encourage Timothy (and us) to “Compete in the good fight of faith. Grab hold of eternal life.” To live counter to our human tendency towards selfishness is indeed a fight. To give oneself in humble service to God and others – yes, it is a fight. But it is a fight that yields contentment in this life and joy in the life to come. May we daily choose to fight the good fight of faith.

Prayer: Lord God, so many voices, so many things tell us to gather, to hoard, to accumulate. Yet it is so clear that these behaviors do not bring peace or contentment or joy or anything else truly good to our lives. You alone are the giver of all that is truly good. Guide us, O Lord, to pursue you above all else, leading us to walk faithfully in your will and ways. Amen.


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Instead…

Reading: Job 20:19-29

Job 20:22 – “Even in their plenty, they are hard-pressed; all sorts of trouble comes on them.”

Today’s reading comes from the book of Job. Much of the content, including today’s, is set in the belief of the day: “God blessed the righteous and punishes the wicked.” In the understanding of the day, there were no exceptions. Zophar, today’s speaker, and Job’s wife and other friends – they cannot begin to fathom the possibility that Job is righteous. Job lost almost everything, therefore Job is a sinner.

In verse 19 Zophar is speaking of “they.” These are the wicked in the land. These are the sinners in the context of the day. These crush and abandon the poor, stealing their houses. These do not know contentment. The constant desire for more leaves their “belly” ever hungry. And what they’ve accumulated, Zophar says, “their riches will not endure.” He adds, “Even in their plenty, they are hard-pressed; all sorts of trouble comes on them.” Yes, there is no true peace or joy, no true contentment for the wicked of this world.

One day, though, Zophar tells us, God will fill the wicked’s bellies with “burning anger.” One day the wicked will enter the “complete darkness” that awaits them. Yes, one day heaven will “expose their guilt” because this is the fate of the wicked. All of this remains true for those who live for self, who trod over others and do not care, who take advantage of the powerless and the marginalized. There is a choice to be made. There is a better way: the way of Christ. Instead of accumulating, we can practice generosity. Instead of running over, we can stand with. Instead of seeking advantage, we can strive to level the playing field for the lowly and the downtrodden. Brothers and sisters in Christ, may it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, turn our hearts away from selfish thoughts, desires, and actions. Turn our hearts towards compassion, generosity, and justice. Use us to stem the tide of evil that plagues our land. Use us as light and love that shines into the darkness and hate. Amen.


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Contagious

Reading: 2nd Corinthians 7:5-7

2nd Corinthians 7:6 – “God comforts people who are discouraged, and he comforted us by Titus’ arrival.”

Photo credit: Uta Scholl

As Paul and his companions arrive in Macedonia there is no rest for the weary. There are problems – “external conflict… internal fears.” For Paul and his coworkers these trials and hardships could be barriers to ministry. But God has other plans. In verse 6 we read, “God comforts people who are discouraged, and he comforted us by Titus’ arrival.” At just the needed time, God sends Titus, bringing along the encouragement that he has received himself in Corinth. In turn, Titus encourages Paul and others there in Macedonia.

When one lives out their faith it often inspires others to live out their faith too. This isn’t just true for comfort. It also works this way with peace, joy, trust, generosity, assurance, grace, humility, mercy, contentment, forgiveness… The practices of our faith are contagious!

Titus also brings a personal message for Paul. The church in Corinth longs to see Paul. They want an opportunity to express their regret for what happened during his last visit. On that second visit Paul was deeply hurt. The church has dealt with this person but still wants to apologize and receive forgiveness face to face. This news brings Paul much happiness. To mend a relationship, to offer care and concern, to restore what was broken, these things bring us much joy and happiness too.

Where do we need to bring comfort through our words of reconciliation and grace? Where do we need to respond to the brokenness in our lives or in the world?

Prayer: Lord God, guide our lives, leading us to be people who live out a contagious faith. May the light and love of Christ in our hearts be cast wide in the world, bringing healing and wholeness to our relationships and to other’s lives. Amen.


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Finding Contentment and Peace

Reading: Philippians 4:10-14

Philippians 4:12b – “I have learned the secret to bring content in any and every circumstance.”

Photo credit: Eugene Zhyvchik

Today’s words from Paul speak of a topic that many find elusive today. This is especially true when we are younger or are not yet mature in our faith. At these stages we are still very much concerned with or even infatuated with the things of this world. When in love with the things of this world, almost all of us live on the “treadmill” – better jobs, more money, newer and bigger houses, boats… – seeking the next “success” over and over again.

As our passage for today begins, Paul expresses his thanks for the collection that the church in Philippi took up for him. It is a way that they can show their concern for Paul. While he appreciates the gift and the thought, it wasn’t necessarily needed. Since coming to faith in Jesus, Paul’s life has been transformed. In his “old life” Paul had doggedly pursued success and recognition in his chosen field: Pharisee. In his “new life in Christ” these things do not matter. Through times of need and abundance, through times of blessing and poverty, Paul has not tried to rely on his own gifts and talents. He has learned to trust in God to provide.

Because of this humble trust in God, Paul can write, “I have learned the secret to bring content in any and every circumstance.” No matter what this world gives or takes, no matter what this world throws at him or against him, Paul has come to believe that all will be well through “the power of the one who gives me strength.” In Christ, Paul has found the source of peace and contentment. That’s the secret! May it be so for us all.

Prayer: Lord God, as we consider how to find contentment and peace, we recognize first that we all battle envy or jealousy or pride now and then. So we all ask for your power and presence in our lives. Second, Lord, we all ask that you would mature our faith, building up our trust, our humility, and our belief in your love, care, and provision. Relying not on our own strength but on yours, we can be children of your kingdom, O God. Amen.


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God’s Presence, Goodness, and Love

Reading: Psalm 19

Psalm 19:8 – “The Lord’s regulations are right, gladdening the heart. The Lord’s commands are pure, giving light to the eyes.”

Psalm 19 celebrates God’s presence with us. David first recognizes God in the created world. The Psalm begins, “Heaven is declaring God’s glory.” This is evident in God’s “handiwork.” To take in the vastness of the stars, to feel that limitless power, is to sense and feel God. Yet God’s handiwork is also small and intricate, like a spider web or like a tiny seed that yields a beautiful flower. David also recognizes God in the passing of time. One day to one night, over and over again, reveals God’s good plans for our world. David acknowledges that the sun, moon, and stars do not literally speak, yet the presence of God in them reaches out “to the ends of the earth.”

Starting in verse 7 David turns to God’s “instruction.” He is speaking of the Torah, the collection of laws and commands that governed his life. Following these, David gains wisdom. They gladden his heart and give light to his eyes. The Law is true, worth more than gold, “sweeter than honey.” David finds great reward in keeping God’s will and way. This too is evidence that there is a God, one who ordered not only creation, but life itself. As a follower of Jesus, we also find joy in keeping God’s will and way. We find that doing so, we have a relationship with our God. Within this relationship we experience peace and hope, assurance and contentment, comfort and guidance. Loving God and loving neighbor yields a life centered outside of self, a life that truly reflects God’s goodness and love.

In the closing verses, David shares another way that he experiences God. Fallible and sinful as we are, God is overflowing in forgiveness, redemption, and restoration. This is because God created us to be in relationship – with God and with one another. Again and again God cleansed and restored David to right relationship. Our rock and redeemer will do the same for you and for me. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your presence in the world – yes, in the heavens but also in the tides, in the spring growth, in the gentle snowfall. Thank you for pursuing us, for seeking us out, for desiring to be in relationship with us, and for being willing to do whatever it takes to keep us there, loving us unconditionally. This day may we honor you by reflecting your love and goodness into the world. Amen.


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The Pioneer

Reading: Hebrews 1-3

Hebrews 2:10 – “It was appropriate for God… to use the experience of suffering to make perfect the pioneer of salvation.”

Hebrews begins by declaring that God first spoke through the prophets (the Old Testament) and then spoke through a Son (the New Testament Gospels.) Jesus is “the imprint of God’s being.” The Son then died to cleanse people from their sins, returning to glory to sit at God’s right hand. It is a powerful opening statement.

The author then exhorts the audience to pay attention to the good news they’ve heard lest they “drift away.” He or she asks, “How will we escape [hell] if we ignore such a great salvation?” Great question. This gift of salvation was announced by Jesus and confirmed by the disciples and apostles. God offered validity through “signs, amazing things, various miracles, and gifts from the Holy Spirit.”

Hebrews then turns to who and what Jesus was and is. First, he tasted death so that we can taste grace. Jesus also lived as a human. In 2:10 we read, “It was appropriate for God… to use the experience of suffering to make perfect the pioneer of salvation.” Christ mediates for us based on experiencing what we experience. Jesus walked our road, experiencing suffering, when tempted. Through it all, Jesus was faithful to God. Because of his example and sacrifice, we can have hope and confidence. We can encourage one another every day so that one day we can “enter his rest.” May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for sending your Son, he who walked this earth as one of us. In those 30+ years he experienced what it is like to be human – the suffering, the temptation, the pain. Yet in living he also revealed your love and the joy, hope, peace, contentment, and forgiveness found in that love. Help us today to walk in step with the Spirit, sharing that love, bringing you all the glory. Amen.


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Truth and Contentment

Reading: Proverbs 30

‭Proverbs 30:5 – “All God’s words are tried and true; a shield for those who take refuge in him.”

Today’s words of wisdom come from Agur, an otherwise unknown man. He was likely not an Israelite. Massa is connected to Assyria. In the first few verses he admits that he had no knowledge of God. He was tired and exhausted. Questions about creation drew him towards God. Finding God, he can now declare, “All God’s words are tried and true; a shield for those who take refuge in him.” Agur recognizes God’s power and might. This is a first step in gaining wisdom and understanding.

Agur has two requests of God. First, may he be a man of truth. He asks God to keep fraud and lies far away. Second, he seeks contentment. He doesn’t want to be rich or poor. “Give me just the food I need.” We reflect this idea in the Lord’s Prayer: “Give us this day our daily bread.” Truth and contentment are two core pieces of our faith.

This is then contrasted with foolish behavior. Fools curse mother and father, they are arrogant and greedy – ready to devour the poor and needy. Agur then writes of power that are never satisfied, perhaps analogies for the greed and lust of the fool. The grave and the barren womb always long to be filled. The desert and fire consumes all before them. In the next verses he recognizes things large and small that amaze him. He finds pleasure in God’s creation. Is this not an extension of truth and contentment?

Agur closes by calling out to the foolish and arrogant. He invites them to cover their mouths, ceasing their evil words and behaviors. May we too guard our words, offering good words, silencing the evil.

Prayer: Lord God, open our eyes to your presence and guidance in our lives. Bring for a contentment in you and a trust in your word. Fill our hearts and mouths with your truths. Lead us to walk in the way that leads to life eternal. Amen.


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Humbly Walk

Reading: Proverbs 16

‭Proverbs 15:3 – “The LORD’s eyes are everywhere, keeping watch on evil and good people.”

In verses 28 we read that a righteous heart thinks before answering while the wicked heart blurts out evil. Our words really matter. The sage also shared that the sensitive answers turn back wrath while offensive words stir up anger. Similarly, patient people calm strife while hotheads stir up conflict. Our words affect others. Let our words be carefully considered.

When our words are wholesome, they bring others life. When we speak with wisdom we spread knowledge. But with unwholesome speech there is no knowledge. This kind of speech breaks the spirit – and the heart. Our words affect others. Let us speak words of truth and love, hope and wisdom.

If we are wise and careful with our words then we reveal a close walk with God. God loves those who pursue righteousness and whose words are pure (in alignment with God’s will and way.) God detests those who lay evil plans and who walk the path of wickedness. Speaking of the consequences the sage writes, “God snatched the arrogant one’s house” while watching over and preserving the widow’s home… May our actions and words be pure.

The sages also touch on the “why” concerning the pursuit of righteousness. We’re reminded that having “a little” while fearing the Lord is better than “great reward” with turmoil. We’re reminded that to “eat greens” surrounded by love is far better than “a plump calf” surrounded by hate. There is much to be said for peace, contentment, simple joys. Today’s readings closes with this gem: “The fear of the Lord is wise instruction, and humility comes with respect.” May we humbly Walk before the Lord who is worthy of our respect and of our love and of our obedience. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, as our words really matter, guide our words. Help us to speak words that build up, that encourage, that spread love and life and faith. Fill our hearts, Lord, with your presence, for there we find joy, hope, love, contentment, and peace. Yes, God, may it be so. Amen.