This exhorting article from R.C. Sproul took me back to a time nearly 30 years ago, when I was quite discontented with being single. I'd wanted to be married as long as I could remember. I was also discontented with my job, believing it wasn't using all my God-given computer skills and causing them to wane (because I didn't have to use a computer, I had secretaries for that). But that wasn't all; I was quite discontented with a number of things. It seemed everyone else around me was generally, happier than me because they had all they desired...and I felt owed, though I'd never admit that. I'd properly admit as a Christian, I know I'm only owed Hell. Yet, my discontented state proved my words of religiosity, to be false.
Then I came to the throne of grace, as did Asaph when he was miserably discontented as I,
"But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God...
"When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart, I was brutish and ignorant; I was like a beast toward you. Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
[F]or me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all your works." ~Psalm 73:16-17; 21-26; 28, ESV
After I read this entire Psalm, I repented, thanked my Father for His forgiveness, for my salvation, for His ever-present help, and for all I have in Christ; riches far greater than anything this world and life could offer. I resolved that day, to be content with, and to bring glory to my God in whatever circumstance He wisely and lovingly chooses for me; and He quieted my soul (Zeph 3:17).
Some of you reading this today are discontent because you're single. Some of you are discontent because you're married. Some of you are discontent because you're childless. Some of you are discontent because you have children. Some of you are discontent because you despise your job, and some of you are discontent because you wish you had a job.
This world and our flesh will happily and generously provide us with a myriad of reasons why we ought to be discontent. But God our Father gives us only one reason why we ought to be the most contented people—Jesus Christ His Son.
Whether we are single, married, have children or not, love our jobs or are waiting in limbo for one, we ought to be the most contented people in all the earth because we have been saved from the wrath to come. And in being saved, we also receive a holy adoption and are called the children of the Most High God. God is our Father. Christ is our Advocate, Savior, Redeemer, Propitiation; and the Holy Spirit is our Seal and Guarantor.
Knowing and embracing this truth doesn't mean we don't hurt. It doesn't mean we don't weep. It doesn't mean we slap on a happy face and pretend we have it all together when really, we're falling apart. What it means is that while we still have searing heartaches just as others do, unlike the rest of humanity, we have a Strong Tower to run into, and know we are safe; even in the midst of the torrential storms this life consistently brings.
When we trust our Savior rather than our circumstances, we are able to hold fast to His promises, and trust His wisdom, love, and sovereignty. And when we do this, we are able to be content in any and every circumstance, not because we find them pleasant, but because we find Christ always present.
Whether we are single, married, have children or not, love our jobs or are waiting in limbo for one, we ought to be the most contented people in all the earth because we have been saved from the wrath to come. And in being saved, we also receive a holy adoption and are called the children of the Most High God. God is our Father. Christ is our Advocate, Savior, Redeemer, Propitiation; and the Holy Spirit is our Seal and Guarantor.
Knowing and embracing this truth doesn't mean we don't hurt. It doesn't mean we don't weep. It doesn't mean we slap on a happy face and pretend we have it all together when really, we're falling apart. What it means is that while we still have searing heartaches just as others do, unlike the rest of humanity, we have a Strong Tower to run into, and know we are safe; even in the midst of the torrential storms this life consistently brings.
When we trust our Savior rather than our circumstances, we are able to hold fast to His promises, and trust His wisdom, love, and sovereignty. And when we do this, we are able to be content in any and every circumstance, not because we find them pleasant, but because we find Christ always present.
"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."~2 Corinthians 4:16-18, ESV
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