Do all things without grumbling. Phil. 2:14 (ESV)
I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. Phil. 4:11-12 (ESV)
Heavenly Father, there are some courses in the “school of grace” for which we need constant refresher courses. Maintaining a heart of contentment and gratitude is one of them. Though you’re not calling us to kill desire or deny pain, demonize ambition or decry enjoyment, your warnings about discontent and grumbling confront us on a daily basis.
So we come to you, Father, once again, acknowledging a need you alone can meet. Grant us a heart of serenity, acceptance, and peace—no matter what’s going on. Whether our flight is delayed 2 hours (like mine last night) or it lands 15 minutes early; whether we’re eating filet mignon or can of SPAM; whether we’re feeling greatly appreciated or unfairly criticized. We want to anchor our joy, “okay-ness,” and satisfaction in you, Father.
Whether our kids our flourishing in the faith or struggling in life, our spouse greets us with a kiss or ignores us with a shrug—we want to be more mindful of you than fearful/resentful of our circumstances. Even if mosquitos bite more than the fish, or You delay answering prayer longer than we wish, we want to maintain a core of peace and trust, Father.
So, by your Holy Spirit, convict us when we default to murmuring, unbelief, and our orphan-like ways. Heal us of gospel amnesia—too easily forgetting every good thing we have in Christ. Open the eyes of our hearts as we live this day before you as our good, good, Father. Let us see a little more of Jesus—actually, a lot more. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ all glorious and grace-full name.
