I always love it when I write something and someone comes back and says, “That message has been repeating itself in my life lately.”
I think it’s fun and amazing and proof that God cares so deeply about the intimate details of our lives.
I love it — except when it happens to me.
When it happens to me, it often means I need a little course correcting from the only one who can actually see the whole map, my Heavenly Father.
My throat tightened and my vision got blurry with tears yesterday when my pastor threw this little scripture into his sermon. “Seek first the kingdom of God…” (Matthew 6:33 ESV).
I have been hearing it over and over this past week. In songs, in things I’m reading, in random thoughts that pop into my head. I’ve also heard it in multiple translations, like the one that says “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else…” (NLT)
I know that’s the thing I’m supposed to be doing.
I know God’s will is what I should be longing for. But instead I find myself longing for other things … more speaking events, a lake house, a convertible, a vacation that doesn’t include snow, pants that make my butt look cute. The list could really go on and on.
Discontent. Have you ever felt it? Are you feeling it now?
Maybe your job or your spouse or your kid or your finances aren’t falling in line the way they should. Maybe you just long for a change.
My mom always told me, “Don’t give the devil a foothold.” When the door of discontent is left open even a crack, the enemy has enough room to firmly plant a foot and pry that door completely off its hinges.
So what do we do? How do we tame a little problem before it becomes a big problem?
The solution to discontent is gratitude. In reality, the solution to everything is gratitude, but let’s start here.
I’m so far from feeling this today. I am a work in progress. Maybe you feel that way too. So will you join me in 13 days of gratitude?
You don’t have to do anything special. Just pull out your phone and type in a repeating alert before bedtime: What am I grateful for today?
When you see that alert, take a moment and think of three things for which you are grateful. Write them down or let them float around in your brain. There are no rules.
And if you have other ways you’ve learned to fight discontent or Seek the Kingdom, please share them with our Kindness community in the comments on social media.
