There is a song called Jireh, and one line says,”I will be content in every circumstance…” This got me thinking. What do you mean content in every circumstance? When the landlord is knocking at my door, how can I be content when all the income I am making is less than a third of the rent? People are going through some hard times out there. The pandemic has led to many Kenyans losing their jobs and businesses are struggling as well. Is being content the same as being lazy or lacking ambition? What is the line between ambition and the love of money?
The system has made it in such a way that people who are considered successful are those with money. We go around making videos of their big houses and how many cars they own, glorifying riches rather than impact.This to me is one of my greatest fears. When I pray for financial breakthrough, am I praying because I love money or do I just want my needs met?
The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not be in want. I read a book by Max Lucado where he expounded more on Psalm 23. One of the chapters was dedicated to the prison of want. Here is an excerpt from the book Travelling Light by Max Lucado.
Come with me to the most populated prison in the world. It’s name is WANT—the prison of want. You’ve seen her prisoners. They want something bigger. Nicer. Faster. Thinner. They want a new job. A new house. A new spouse. If you feel better when you have more and worse when you have less—you’re in the prison of want. If your happiness comes from something you deposit, drive, drink, or digest, then face it—you’re in the prison of want!
The good news is, you have a visitor. It is the psalmist, David. “I have a secret to tell you,” he whispers, “the secret of satisfaction.” From Psalm 23:1, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” David has found where discontent goes to die. It’s as if he’s saying, “What I have in God is greater than what I don’t have in this life.” Oh, that you and I could learn to say the same!
I believe this is why the Lord’s prayer says, “ Give us this day our daily bread.” A statement that to me suggests utmost trust in the Father. To leave tomorrow’s worries to Him. To let go of the control you think you have over your life or those to whom you have been given custody over. I find myself worrying over my family, what will they eat? Where will they stay? But God to whom I have received adoption and now I am considered a son. His son says, “I will take care of your needs according to my riches in glory”. His palace floors are made of gold. The earth and its fullness thereof belong to Him.
Trust is a hard thing. But this morning as my heart was full of doubt I heard a song that ministered to me. Before I knew my name, before I drew a breath, He was making ways for me. Now and everyday in each and every step He was making ways for me. When my heart is full of doubt, it feels like faith is running out. I have come too far to turn around. I know God will work it out.
Being content is the release of control of our lives and all of it’s affairs to the one who created you. Obeying every instruction and believing that your Father, Our Father has got this. Lift up your hands and release all that concerns you to his ever loving hands. Be still my soul and know that He is God. God will work it out.