“A tranquil heart gives life to the body” (Prov.14:30).
“I say to myself, ‘The LORD is my portion—(my inheritance, treasure, ‘portfolio,’ and future); therefore, I will hope fully in him!’” (Lam.3:24)
“I’ve learned to be content in every situation—in want and wealth, in leanness and muchness, in economic crises and unexpected windfalls, in a pup tent or a penthouse.” (Phil.4:11-12).
Dear Jesus—how much does a “tranquil heart” cost? That’s a really good question, because every day we show what we’re willing to pay for one by our drivenness, fears, busyness, stressed relationships, and inability to rest.
We foolishly think a day is a coming when we’ll kick back and say: “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ (Lk.12:19). But that illusive category of “have enough” is ever changing. “Enough” becomes more, a little more, maybe just a little more—whether our currency of choice is money, romance, people’s approval, or vocational success.
Jesus, what will it take to really believe: All we need—in life and in death, is you plus what you chose to give us? How do you become our whole inheritance, not just one among our many of our treasures? By your kindness and providence, keep showing us how our drivenness, restlessness, and fears are leading to shallow hearts, superficial relationships, and poor health.
You put this rhetorical question “on the table” a long time ago: “What would it profit us to gain everything and lose our soul?” (Mk.8:36). Jesus, we want to say and mean with Paul, “Christ is my life, and death has become my gain” (Phil.1:21). You are worthy of a lot more than simply being the opening and closing prayer of our days and life. So Very Amen.
