Taking Inventory of Life
Great wealth is not related to money. It is an attitude of satisfaction coupled with inner peace, day-by-day, moment-by-moment walk and talk with God that declares, ‘Lord, You are enough.’ To summarize this in a word. . . Contentment.
Contentment isn’t something we’re born with. In fact, we’re born with the desire for more. . . more food, more stuff, more of whatever makes me happy. That craving for more is actually more about an inner craving for the Who and not about the what. And so we must learn to seek contentment, to seek the Who of the craving rather than the abundance of having more. Now don’t get me wrong, having “stuff” isn’t wrong unless we desire it more than we desire God Himself.
I love my collection of books and teacups, and my home. But lately I’ve been looking around and asking myself, what would be my bear necessities? What could I subtract from my life and still be content. I entered this world empty-handed; and I’ll leave the same way. I don’t plan on getting rid of everything while I’m alive barring a catastrophic storm. I want to enjoy those things that bring me pleasure, but not at the expense of being controlled by them. And so I’ve asked myself:
If I strip life down to only the essentials, simplify my lifestyle;
something to eat, something to wear, and a roof over my head,could I be content? WOULD I be content?
Everything beyond the essentials I’m considering as non-essential. No matter how I classify it, it’s all given by His gracious hand. It goes without saying, my husband, children, and grandchildren are important to me, they’re my heartbeat. I don’t even want to think about life without them. But I know many who have lost a part – even all – of their “heart.” As I’ve learned from the life of Job, “the Lord gives and He takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21) It’s foolish for me to trust in any abundance I may have for security. Ultimately, my loved ones and all my possessions could be gone in the blink of an eye. That leaves me with this truth:
The only lasting satisfaction is being content with God alone.
I’m thankful for my family. I’m thankful He has chosen to supply me with things to enjoy. I’m content. But should I ever lose a part of my heart or have to pare down and live with less, I pray I will remember this conversation I’m having with myself and anyone reading this. My life is blessed not because of things. My life is blessed because I know the Giver, and that possession, that Gift, can never be taken from me.
Verses to Ponder:
Psalm 63:1-11
1 Timothy 6:6-19
Have you taken inventory of your life lately?
What are your essentials and non-essentials?
What could life be stripped down to and you’d still be able to say,
Blessed be Your name.
amen sweet sis
What a great reminder that possessions are not all that important.
This is so true- I’m in the process of de cluttering my house and it’s not easy to give things away, but it really is necessary on so many levels. I crave a more simple life and more focus and dependence on Jesus alone.