“A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot” (Prov. 14:30). “Be content with what you have, for God has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’” (Heb.13:5). “Whom do I have in heaven but you, Jesus? And being with you I desire nothing this world can give me.” (pp Ps.73:25).
Lord Jesus, this tapestry of Scriptures is simultaneously convicting and encouraging. It’s convicting because my discontent is usually fueled by comparison and envy. I can get jealous of people who have less hassles, more resources, and quiet obedient dogs. Friends who can eat 7 Cinnabon’s and lose weight and are as flexible as Yoga instructors. Extroverts who thrive in crowds and have unlimited being-with-people bandwidth.
Men who can fix anything broken in houses, cars, and everywhere else. Fly fishermen and fisherwomen who have precision casting skills of heart surgeons and in-river balance of Circus tightwire walkers. Jesus, I am a mess but (Hallelujah!) I am now and forever your mess.
That is why, as convicting as these verses are, they are even more so encouraging. Though some days it takes a while for my emotions to catch up with my theology, I really do believe that all I need is you, Jesus, and whatever you choose to give me. You have shown me that ingratitude is soul cancer and discontent is heart disease. “Comparisonism” is relationship homicide and restless drivenness is a recipe for loneliness and emptiness.
But even better, Jesus, you don’t just intend for us to stop our whining and be content in you, but to be utterly satisfied with and by you—overflowing with a joy, peace, and heart-hope only the Gospel can give us. Thank you Jesus. Make it so again and again and again, and So Very Amen.
