All I Need

(photo from justbetweenus.org)

“The riches of Your love [O LORD] will always be enough…” – a line from a song we sing in church, got me pondering.

Are the riches of His love ever enough for us? For the most part, we’re a pretty discontented people.

When we women fall in love with the man of our dreams and he becomes our husband, we pledge “…as long as I’ve got your love, that’s all I’ll ever need.” Very romantic, but, soon we find ourselves realizing we also want a secure roof over our heads, good food on our table and as many of our tangible needs met as possible. We may also discover that in married life, the man of our dreams may not pour out his love in ways we recognize as love. Sure, he may work hard to provide for his family, but what about the affection and attention we assumed we’d get, too? Or hey, what about a little help with the half a dozen kids you helped me bring into this world? And, oh yes, I need some “me” time, please pencil that into your schedule.

(picture from layoutsparks.com

As wives, for the most part, it’s probably safe to assume that we believe most, if not all of that comes with the marriage package. (Not to imply that we can’t help make all of that happen.) Am I wrong? Most of us don’t think we’ll be sheltering under a bridge or waiting in lines at a food pantry or taking care of the kids like a single mom, or starving for affection like the single girls at the club. After all, isn’t marriage about provision, too? Now, of course, I realize catastrophes come into our lives; lost job, disabilities, etc. But, when we vow “for better or for worse” – who seriously imagines “the worst”?

(photo from sheknows.com)

When we enter into the relationship with God that redeems us, it’s tempting to expect things to be all rosy and sunshine as we walk with Him and grow in Him. But, being a Christian doesn’t mean life’s path will always take us where we think we need to go.

“The riches of Your love will always be enough…” While in essence, this is true, the riches of His love is truly all any of us need, for in those riches we have everything, yet, as humans, most of us continue to want more than we have. It can be hard to be content right where you’re at, especially for long periods of time in less than ideal circumstances.

Sometimes we expect God to change the will of those around us. Yes, He gave us freedom of choice, but, those around us don’t make good choices like we do! (Yes, I say that jesting.) But, wouldn’t life be easier if those around us didn’t disagree with us so much, or if they could see what we perceive to be the “greater good”? This is where we take on a God complex, thinking (consciously or subconsciously) that if we were God, we’d run things more smoothly here on Earth.

Sometimes we expect God to “get us that promotion” because, after all, we’re His children. Or we may expect that convenient parking place to open us just as we get there, because, yes, we’re His child. Or maybe we expect our teams to win, whether at sporting events or in games of chance. Maybe we just think life shouldn’t be “so hard” for us if we’re “in His Word”.

(photo from examiner.com)

In reality, the riches of His love will always be enough… is only true when we let God be God and bring ourselves into His plan, instead of wanting to write the plan for Him.

Paul tells us in Philippians 4:12 (NIV) “…I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation….”

We can learn contentment, too. It comes with trusting God, without reservation.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

“As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’S word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.” – 2 Samuel 22:31 (NIV)

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” – 1 Timothy 6:6 (NIV)

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” – Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)