Satisfied

Yesterday, my husband and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary. I cooked him breakfast. He brought me roses and took me out for dinner. This may not seem momentous for our Pearl anniversary but considering the state of affairs in our country and in my own life, for us, it was the perfect celebration! The first dinner out we’ve shared since March, 2020 when coronavirus caused a worldwide shut down falls one week before I undergo cancer surgery, so traditional celebrations will have to wait. I am satisfied, pleased, gratified, content!

Being bound by tradition has always felt a little stifling to me. I’ve told my married children that I’d rather celebrate major holidays early or late if it means I get more time with them without competing! I realize they have two families to pacify on top of friends, work, church, and there’s only so much time in a day. This past year has taught me much about contentment as my choices during radiation treatments and chemotherapy have been extremely limited. The apostle Paul shared how he learned to be content in any situation “through Christ who gave him strength.” (Philippians 4:13) Solomon reasoned with himself that since God does not play favorites, he should maintain realistic expectations. I appreciate the wisdom of both!

Solomon writes, “Enjoy prosperity while you can, but when hard times strike, realize that both come from God. Remember that nothing is certain in this life.”

Ecclesiastes 7:14 NLT

https://www.bible.com/116/ecc.7.14.nlt

“I realized that no one can discover everything God is doing under the sun. Not even the wisest people discover everything, no matter what they claim.”

Ecclesiastes 8:17 NLT

https://www.bible.com/116/ecc.8.17.nlt

“Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.”

Ecclesiastes 3:11 NLT

https://www.bible.com/116/ecc.3.11.nlt

My finite mind agrees, but my soul sings a different song! The weeping prophet offers God’s promise to Israel, and his words are my reminder to trust in the providential will of God regardless of my circumstances! Even the best laid plans are not sure and certain (Proverbs 19:21), but God’s plan is always “good, pleasing, and perfect! (Romans 12:2)

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.”

Jeremiah 29:11-13 NLT

https://www.bible.com/116/jer.29.11-13.nlt

“If you look for Me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” “You will search for Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” The secret to my contentment lies in where I seek satisfaction, or rather in Whom!

“Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things…”

Psalms 103:1-5 NIV

https://www.bible.com/111/psa.103.1-5.niv

Why would I settle for less than God’s best?