Have you ever glanced at something, and in a flash had a creeping feeling of dread? How can a split second of visual make such a powerful connection with your brain that, in a snap, moods are altered? This morning, I bounced down the stairs to my office – not in a falling down the stairs bounce, but in true Tigger fashion, a joyful bounce.
As I turned on the light my eyes were drawn to an open magazine article with a huge elegantly printed title “Desperate for more” – an instant, a connection, a cascade of thought. Desperate for more …. Am I desperate? I don’t think so, but what if I am and just don’t admit it? Temperature check – desperate. Desperate. Desperate for more ….
Walking further into my office, God spoke to me about the demoralizing effects that a few words can have. Moments later, ‘Thankful’ journal and pen in hand I read from the list of many things I am thankful for, then I wrote an entry for today.
Gratitude: Today I am thankful
Thankful for – where do I start? As I read those entries, God whispered into my heart. “Desperate for more – of what?” Then I spent some quiet time with the controller and provider of all things I think I’m desperate for.
Love – Psalm 90:14&17 “Satisfy us in the morning with your loyal love! Then we will shout for joy and be happy all our days! May our sovereign God extend his favor to us! Make our endeavors successful! Yes, make them successful!”
Wisdom – Ephesians 1:17 “I pray that God may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” The best way to avoid feelings of desperation is pray that you will know God better.
Peace – These comforting words from Luke 1:78-79 “Because of the tender mercy of our God, there is light in darkness and He guides our feet into the path of peace.”
I’ve found the perfect instruction manual for peace in Philippians, although the Bible speaks extensively about peace what it is, how to get it, how to keep it, why you never need to be desperate for it.
Philippians 4:8,9 “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. And the God of peace will be with you.”
Hope – Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Contentment – I know what you’re going to say already. “You sound like a broken record.” But I have to remind myself and maybe you won’t mind a little reinforcement. Comparison is the opposite of contentment.
When I think of contentment, I remember the sixth chapter of 1 Timothy. I could copy the whole thing right here for you, but let’s start here with 1 Timothy 6:6 “godliness with contentment is great gain. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. “ If you want to read the remainder, here’s a handy link. 1 Timothy 6
I could reveal more areas where God fed my conscience with warnings of being vulnerable to suggestion and not fully trusting Him to meet my desperate needs.
God knows we are a desperate people. Our emotions are ripped apart and pieced back together. The happy face of one moment becomes the frown of defeat the next. The optimist can sink to pessimist when the burden is too heavy to carry. Desperate for more ….
What would you say? The flash of insight I had when looking at just part of the title, sent me into contemplation about desperation. Was that wasted energy, wasted time? I learned something today. I’m not desperate for anything.
Philippians 4:19 “God will provide everything you need according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” How about you? Are you ready to turn in your desperate wants for peace and contentment? I’ll meet you out there.
Psalm 23:1 “The Lord is my shepherd. That’s all I want.” Life without desperation – Focus on what you have, not on what you’ve lost. Capitalize on what you can do, not on what you cannot.
“Desperate for more – of what?” Let this be our response.
Lord Jesus, make me desperate only for more of you, more of your truth, more of your spirit, more of your love. Make me desperate to pour into people from the abundance you have given me. Thank you, Lord, for your grace and being my more through this journey.
Wonderful testimony Jane! God always speaks to us through holy scripture. His Holy Spirit anoints our hearts with understanding. Abounding joy for that bounce in our steps!
I’m not sure why I waited over half my life to recognize the power of God in my life. I used to listen skeptically when someone said, “When all I had was God, I realized God was all I needed.” Life experience has proven that
God first is the best formula for success. Danny, thank you for always being kinder than you need to be. You and Lynn are treasured friends.
Love this Jane. We can find our fulness in Christ as He fills us to overflowing! (like nothing else in this world). A great reminder for me to begin my day with a thankful heart….desperate for nothing! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for your kindness, Mike. I started recording item by item what I was thankful for in 2003 when I was living through what seemed to be a desparate season. When I felt the most lost, I looked at that list and by the time I read 8 or 10 lines I realized how faulty my logic. I needed nothing. My life was then, and is now, full and anything but desperate..