I feel like God often gives me themes for each semester of my journey at Moody. Built into this theme is a conviction of a sin that is holding me captive, and a quality that I need to work on. Something that I have been deeply challenged with lately is my lack of contentment. Whether I am frustrated that I have to spend my Friday night writing a paper (even if it is about the Bible), or impatient with this season of life and waiting for the next, or even angered that I still have to eat the food in Moody's dining hall, I always find something to be unhappy about (it's a gift, really).
God slowly opened my eyes to my negative attitude and lack of contentment with the situations He has placed me in. I became aware that my thoughts throughout the day often focus on what I do not have. It is as if I am saying to God, "I am so unhappy because I do not have this shallow thing I want, and I do not really believe that the things you give me are all I need." Well, that's a bold statement to the God of the universe! So, with all that said, my theme for this semester has been....gratitude.
In order to cultivate a grateful heart, one must stop focusing on the circumstances of this world, or what one lacks, and focus on what one has been given through Christ. Brennan Manning, in his book Ruthless Trust, says, "When we're inwardly dissipated through busyness, obsession, addiction, mindlessness, and preoccupation with TV, sports, gossip, movies, shallow reading, and so forth, we cannot be attentive to the gifts that arrive each day." My, how true this is! However, what I am learning more and more about myself, is that I read quotes like this, think they are profound, and then do nothing to let them change me. What if believers started letting these nuggets of truth impact their life. What if believers really examined the implications of cultivating gratitude, and starting forsaking the things of the world in order to see more and more of what God has given. In fact, it is only when this happens, that one can be a more effective vessel for the Kingdom. Being grateful takes the focus off of selfish gain and personal satisfaction, and places the focus on God. J.I.Packer says in Rediscovering Holiness, "All ventures go rotten at the core when gain in any form, rather than gratitude, motivates them." Only gratitude can pave the way to holiness and the ability to be a servant for Christ. Along with gratitude comes humility, diligence, joy, peace, and so much more. May we stop focusing on what we do not have, and be grateful for what God has given us, which is, after all, more than sufficient.
Court, I really think that more people need to start reading your blog. Anyway, it is so true that we so often read these wonderful quotes and then go and doing nothing about them. Even now, I run the risk of not actually letting either of the quotes sink into my life and let them sit on the surface as something smart that some guy/girl said. Thanks for putting up these posts. I've said this before but you really really have a gift for writing! I love you (any my opinion of the post is not completely based on that haha...).
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Thank you for being so open and honest! This was such a blessing to me tonight after a weekend of discontentment in my own heart! I once again fell into the trap of comparing. Will be praying for gratitude as I start this new week!
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