I’m sitting alone (well me and my stinky dog) quietly reflecting on some things that I’ve learned this week from Scripture studies, and from life in general. Well, let me restate that, I hope and pray I’m learning, although it feels like God keeps trying to teach me the same lessons over and over. I’m pretty stubborn I think. I do not mean to be, but apparently I am. Some of those lessons come through the Word and some through circumstances, both good and bad, some through people and some from the small things like snowflakes and sunshine.
One thing that I’ve been wondering about myself and people in general as I’ve continued to study in 1 and 2 Corinthians and Acts is whether or not we are ever truly satisfied. Am I? Most times, I do not act like I am. As I have looked at Paul’s life and his trials, travels, and relationships, it has caused me to really examine my own heart (again). Paul endured things that most of us could not even imagine. He was beaten, imprisoned, rejected, criticized, questioned, and so much more, yet he never stopped sharing the Gospel and he never lost his joy. Did he get discouraged, probably, did he have fears, most likely, did he feel lonely, absolutely. He spent a lot of time behind bars and in very uncomfortable places. He longed to be with his fellow believers and many times could not, he faced many difficult circumstances, yet he chose to follow the will of God no matter the cost or sacrifice. And he did it with peace and joy.
Paul was content. He learned to be satisfied no matter where he found himself, in plenty or in want. Paul was an imitator of Christ. He was so in love with Jesus that he gave everything in order to tell people about Him. He was not concerned with satisfying his own needs, although he did work hard to provide for himself. He didn’t grumble when he went without, he didn’t complain when people attacked him or when life got really, really tough. He was satisfied
What was he satisfied with you ask? Well, maybe you don’t have to ask, but I’m a slow learner! Well, it was not what, but Who. He was completely and fully content and satisfied because of his Savior, Jesus Christ. He kept his eyes focused on the goal. He kept his heart focused on his Lord and on spreading the Gospel. He was SO focused.
Me, focused, content, joyful, not so much. Yes, maybe some days, but not nearly enough. Lately, I find myself allowing too many things to distract me from what is important. Things like busyness, details, pleasing people, grumbling people, worry, fear and on and on and on I go, looking everywhere but up. Thankfully there is hope!
Fortunately, God’s mercies are new every single day! He will forgive us for allowing our hearts to be distracted. He will let us run back to Him. And guess what I’ve found when I make that turn back to Him? I find complete satisfaction. No one and nothing will ever satisfy me the way He does. No one will ever know me and love me the way He does. No one will ever comfort me the way He does when I’m weary, tired, hurt, or struggling. No one will smile as big as He will when I’m smiling, and, no one will ever teach me how to live and love like Paul did, the way that God will. He is my Joy. He is my hope. He is my Peace. He is my Everything. Satisfaction guaranteed! That makes my heart smile. J
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