Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- June 7, 2012
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13
Certainly life can be complicated: graduate school, work, relational conflict, wealth, economic downturns, job loss, health loss and the loss of a loved one. But life from the Lord’s perspective is not meant to be rushed and out of control. An individual, who is perpetually on the go, can go right past God’s best. A heart that traffics exclusively in the high occupancy lane of life will run itself ragged. Thus, the wise slow down and simplify.
Do we really need all the activity that captures our calendar? Could it be that busyness is keeping us from relational integrity with Jesus, family and friends? Perhaps the Lord is leading us to prayerfully unclutter our lives for His kingdom’s purpose. How can we adjust our lifestyle, so that we are freed up to better love the lost to the Lord? Like a fisherman who slowly untangles a bird’s nest of line, Christ can help us unwind our complicated lifestyle.
“Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.” Proverbs 30:7-9
Furthermore, it’s critical we don’t become proud of our new streamlined schedule or that we fill up our freshly created space with self-indulgence. Pride will cause us to be critical of others who are still struggling to simplify, and selfishness will lead us away from engagement in eternal matters. Indeed, we become unshackled from haste to help others.
Above all, make sure your strength to simplify comes from your Savior Jesus. Ask the Lord what level of lifestyle you should maintain and give away everything above His standard. A capped spending plan with aggressive giving unleashes Christ’s blessings. Feed contentment with generosity and starve discontentment with disciplined decisions. Your simplified living will increase the quality of your life and possibly extend your life. Indeed, the Lord liberates your lifestyle to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.
“For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:32-33
Prayer: Heavenly Father, what is one step I can take to simplify my life for Your sake?
Related Readings: Job 27:10; Psalm 37:4; Matthew 19:29; Colossians 1:11
Post/Tweet this today: We become unshackled from haste to help others. #content #serve
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This was so on time for me. I had been having a bad day/week/month at work and I actually had to leave early yesterday due to stress, the hustle and bustle of the family life, my church work, my graduating senior, my mother everything- I sat home and just stared out the window and did nothing-It was the best thing I could have ever done-it was just the peace of the Lord there with me- thank you Wisdom Hunters for your daily word!
Wow! I am so blessed every time I read these Wisdom Hunters, but this was especially needed today! Thank you!
Hi ,
I have a question concerning the end of the devotional what does it mean to seek the Lords rightesouness?
Thank you Susan!
Thank you Peggy, I’m honored the Lord used the devotional in that way.