I have been reading in the book of Proverbs for my personal time with Jesus. It's been fairly inconsistent with the busyness of life lately, so today- after I scrubbed down the bathroom- I was anxious to open my Bible and have quiet time. Today, I read Proverbs 12, and one verse in particular stood out to me. Verse 9:
Better to be lowly and have a servant than to play the great man and lack bread.
I think this verse explains the American crisis. Too many people put on the mask of wealth, success and stability when really they are up to their eyes in debt, have a dysfunctional marriage/family and still feel empty with their Porche, their yacht, their mansion and gated community. The problem is for those still trying to reach that American Dream, we don't see the debt, the dysfunction or the emptiness always. It's not like the people have a big yard sign saying, "Can't pay for my car payment this month- but hey, look at my house!" We just see the mask they wear- and usually, it's a smile, great attire, great parties and the like. They wear this mask well for the most part- I mean, who would want anyone to know that really, they are just playing the "great man" but really are lacking in the most important areas?
The reason this verse hit me, and now, almost brings me to tears, is because this so-called "happiness" is one that I know my heart seeks after in my flesh. In the Spirit I know the American Dream will never satisfy. In the Spirit I know that chasing after any thing is meaningless, I know things will leave you still empty. I know that Jesus can only fill this spot. Then why, why, do I tend to drift back into the thinking that if I only had...? If I only lived...? If I could only...?
I do not want to slip into this mindset anymore- it robs me of my joy. It deceives me into thinking the if only's would bring me true happiness. If my heart is not full of joy, then it's a heart issue, not a possession, job or location issue. I don't want the lie of the what-if's to steal my contentment away from the here, from the now.
Do any of you struggle with the same thing? How do you deal with it? Are there any Scripture references you cling to?
Join me in prayer:
Jesus, you are my All, but lately I haven't been acting like you are. Forgive me for trying to find fulfillment in other things. Fill me with your Spirit, and satisfy my deepest desires. You alone can satisfy. Thank you Jesus that my idolatry is covered by your grace. Please help me continue in your will and follow you closely. Amen.
~Leanne~
Better to be lowly and have a servant than to play the great man and lack bread.
I think this verse explains the American crisis. Too many people put on the mask of wealth, success and stability when really they are up to their eyes in debt, have a dysfunctional marriage/family and still feel empty with their Porche, their yacht, their mansion and gated community. The problem is for those still trying to reach that American Dream, we don't see the debt, the dysfunction or the emptiness always. It's not like the people have a big yard sign saying, "Can't pay for my car payment this month- but hey, look at my house!" We just see the mask they wear- and usually, it's a smile, great attire, great parties and the like. They wear this mask well for the most part- I mean, who would want anyone to know that really, they are just playing the "great man" but really are lacking in the most important areas?
The reason this verse hit me, and now, almost brings me to tears, is because this so-called "happiness" is one that I know my heart seeks after in my flesh. In the Spirit I know the American Dream will never satisfy. In the Spirit I know that chasing after any thing is meaningless, I know things will leave you still empty. I know that Jesus can only fill this spot. Then why, why, do I tend to drift back into the thinking that if I only had...? If I only lived...? If I could only...?
I do not want to slip into this mindset anymore- it robs me of my joy. It deceives me into thinking the if only's would bring me true happiness. If my heart is not full of joy, then it's a heart issue, not a possession, job or location issue. I don't want the lie of the what-if's to steal my contentment away from the here, from the now.
Do any of you struggle with the same thing? How do you deal with it? Are there any Scripture references you cling to?
Join me in prayer:
Jesus, you are my All, but lately I haven't been acting like you are. Forgive me for trying to find fulfillment in other things. Fill me with your Spirit, and satisfy my deepest desires. You alone can satisfy. Thank you Jesus that my idolatry is covered by your grace. Please help me continue in your will and follow you closely. Amen.
~Leanne~
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