From Complaints to Contentment: Where Do You Find Your Peace?
As I write this, it's 68 degrees for the high today. As I planned what to write yesterday evening, it was in the 30s. It's been this way for the past few weeks, up and down, high and low, warm and cool. Like me, you might enjoy some of it, but it has its challenges.
First, what to wear?— Long sleeves? Sure, but only until about 1 pm— Maybe a jacket? Just be sure you have somewhere to set it down midday.— Maybe shorts? You'll be shivering if it’s early or late. And then, is this an outside type of day? Yes, but only for a few hours in the middle. Also, watch out - because you'll look out the window and it'll look lovely but be freezing. Or you'll go outside and feel great, but the wind or rain will come and you'll scurry back inside. It's almost impossible to plan for these days! But it's definitely possible to plan on how you'll respond.
You see, in this world, it is very easy to focus on negative things.—To dwell on things that aren't going our way. Sometimes it's because we've trained ourselves to dwell on these things because we're mad. Other times, it's because we've made it a pattern to look for what's bad (at least in our eyes). For some of us, pointing out the negative gives us something to talk about with our buddies. And still, others point out what is wrong because it distracts us from the things that we know are actually wrong in us.
The Lord tells us this in Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Why? Because God doesn't mean for you to live a life from complaint to complaint, from grumble to grumble, from gossip to gossip. These are all signs you are without peace. No, God means for you to live a life of peace and contentedness because whatever else may happen - including cold days - God loves you and is with you - and that's where he wants you to find your peace.
So as you bundle up or shed a layer this month, make a point to check your heart. Practice putting your attention on what is true and lovely and good. And practice joining us here at Starnes Cove! We have a great opportunity to serve this month with our ABCCM Food Drive, a special chance to connect with our Spring Bible Study, and lots of other great gifts. Dwell on what is lovely, enjoy the wind and the sun, and be content in Christ alone.
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