Tag: contentment

Rest and Refuel

On By vickleaIn praise, Scripture, testimony1 Comment

From the YouVersion Bible App, Daily Refresh

Called to Contentment

Observing Sabbath-rest allows us to step into the same rhythm God established in creating the world. Scripture tells us when God rested from His work, it was because His work was complete (Genesis 2:1). God took joy in His accomplishment. 

In Hebrews 4:10, the writer draws a parallel between God’s rest and ours: “for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.” We’re invited to delight in His presence and share in God’s divine contentment.

This rest isn’t about taking a break from good works. It’s about surrendering the need to control by trusting in the completeness of God’s work. Our “rest” releases us from the burden of proving ourselves good enough to earn His love and approval. These things have been secured through Jesus’ finished work on the cross. When we step into this rhythm of rest we can find contentment that spills over into every part of our lives.

Is God calling you to stop trying to do everything on your own and instead find peace in Jesus’ finished work on the cross?

Lay down your burdens, not out of laziness, but surrender. Believe that the One who made the world also takes care of you.

My Thoughts

I really needed today’s devotional today and hope that it speaks to your heart, too. The part that spoke to me the most is above and I changed the print to make it stand out. All my life, I have struggled to be accepted, to be good enough to win approval. First from my parents, then from my friends and then various administrators for whom I taught. Once I accepted the Lord, I knew in my mind that He had accepted me just as I was, but I still had difficulty getting this truth into my heart. I had gone through years of not being good enough. My mom told me she never wanted me, called me ugly and told me I had to go to college since no one would ever want to marry me. My father abandoned me and sought drugs as his source of comfort. My friends were good while they lasted, but we kept moving to new places so I never really got close to anyone until we moved to Virginia. And my bosses gave infrequent kudos and little appreciation. I found that no one could demand the same perfectionism that I demanded of myself. Then, Jesus stepped into my life and I could breathe for the first time the clean air of complete love and acceptance. I didn’t have to get good grades, be a stellar employee or do a lot of favors to win approval. I already had it. Today’s devotional is a reminder to me of how far I have come from the child who was not loved to the child of the King who is loved eternally. God is good and wants us to rest in Him and be totally content with who He made us to be.

Called to Simplicity

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App1 Comment

www.bible.com/reading-plans/11667/day/22

The longer I live, the more stuff I accumulate. Not on purpose…it just seems to stick around, find a small niche to occupy and stays there until I recognize that I have not used it in a while, so I should pass it along to someone who will get use out of it. I like the idea presented here that Jesus calls us to balance and simplicity. We are body, soul and spirit, a combination of the three that make us work together and flourish in God’s kingdom. It is easy to be caught up into materialism. Remember the old song from Madonna, “I’m A Material Girl.” Yes, she was and still is, more’s the pity. The one with the most toys still dies and faces judgment from God, so what is the point of accumulating more than others just so you can say that you have more? There’s a lot to say for being content with what you need and not always grasping for what you think you want because others have it. It’s all about keeping our eyes on God, recognizing His provision and being content.

Just Right

On By vickleaIn Scripture1 Comment

I have been working on being content in my life, with the things I have, the people who are around me, with life in general. Today’s Scripture in my devotional brought to mind the old fairy tale about “The Three Bears.” I’m sure that you remember it. Goldilocks kept trying out things and finally found what was just right. I think it’s an analogy for my life sometimes. I kept trying one thing after another, seeking happiness in things, and then I found the real secret. What God has already given me is “just right.” I may not have a big home, but it’s big enough. I may not have a fancy car, but it’s good enough. And I certainly don’t have a gorgeous body, but it’s good enough. I want to be pleasing to God, not to man and the constant quest of mankind for more things, more toys, more to show off to the world. I want to be content and know that what I have is enough and it’s just right for me.

May your day be blessed with contentment, knowing that your possessions and everything about you is “just right” because it is your inheritance from the God who loves you!