The other day, I was sitting in my car, feeling discontent about something. I admit this isn’t really unusual, as I can be the queen of discontent. I often focus on what I perceive as ‘wrong’ with my life rather than on God’s overwhelming goodness to me.
We’ve probably all been there at some point. Our lives simply aren’t how we imagined they’d be. Maybe it’s something major—a relationship, a family challenge, a lost business venture.
Maybe it’s something less life-changing but still persistently frustrating—an annoying coworker, a busy schedule, a car constantly needing repair.
Whatever the reason, we’ve all had times—whether moments, days, years, or decades—of wanting something.
I’ve heard the question—and maybe you’ve heard it too—“How would you feel if you had everything you wanted.”
But I believe this question falls short.
Instead, the other day while sitting in my car, God challenged me with a deeper question: “What would you do if, having everything you’re wanting now, you still felt the exact same way you feel now?”
Read that again: “What would you do if, having everything you’re wanting now, you still felt the exact same way you feel now?”
That really struck me. I’d never thought about the question framed this way, because while I know people or things can never satisfy, I think deep down somewhere I still assumed that a change in circumstances would in some way impact my feelings.
But the truth is, that’s not guaranteed.
As I sat in my car thinking about what I would do if, having everything I wanted, I still felt the exact same way, it struck me that I would have to press in even more closely to Jesus and look to Him completely to fill my need because I would know nothing else could.
And I realized that’s how I need to live now. I need to live in constant awareness that feelings of discontent—even very specific feelings that I think are tied to something particular—may not leave with a change in circumstances, and I need to draw my breath and hope from Jesus now. With desperation. Looking to him as the only source of my joy and contentment, as if all else has failed—because truly, all else will.
“…for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9b)
Thank you, Gina, for your thought provoking blog. God bless you.
Great blog, so interesting and so true.
The more I think of it, the more I must admit that you are so right!
What a powerful post my dear friend! I have learned through painful life experiences that truly Jesus Christ is the ONLY one who will never let us down, never betray us, and He will never abandon us. He also values what really matters and it is not the things we often think less of ourselves about. When burdens of this world make us feel “less” I have learned to as you said “Draw my breath and hope from Jesus now.” Thank you for sharing this my beautiful and precious sister in Christ. We must remind each other of our worth in Christ! Much love to you!
Great blog. So insightful. And, how timely1
A profound truth! Thank you, Gina, for sharing it. When all is said and done, nothing will satisfy but Jesus. He is the Beginning, the End, and Everything-in-Between!