03/23/2020
Do we profess faithfulness, and yet are dissatisfied with our life? Is our faith easily shouldered on Sunday, but burdened down by life the remainder of the week? We are meant to be satisfied in every aspect of our lives by our faith alone, and yet we often find ourselves wanting the things of the world, and asking in prayer for the worldly. Contentment in those things that God provides through His Word, and that Jesus teaches us, should be enough to meet our every need... and yet the comforts of the world continue to tempt us, and we wander lost so much of the time.
“But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.”
1 Timothy 6:6-7 ESV
When we experience times of fear in our lives where do we turn for our help, our salvation, and to be protected? Is our faith enough for us, or do we look to those who have much in the world, and great power in the earth? Do we turn to them because we see their riches, and the other things they possesses, then place our confidence in them over our faith in God which is so often unseen as we wait upon His perfect provision?
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
Romans 12:12 ESV
When we lean upon the Lord, and place our trust in Him alone we find that even in our greatest earthly suffering, and tribulation, we are content, and able to remain calm as we pray, and employ the perfectly fitted things we have gathered from God’s Word. In these times we find refuge in our lean, but well apportioned faithfulness.
How many times do we feel hunger, or need something, but when we go to our knees in prayer we don’t pray for a simple meal of lentils, and a meager portion of meat, but instead we ask for a great and unending feast comprised of every earthly delicacy? How many times are we confronted by an enemy, and call out to the Lord; not just to deliver us, but to slaughter, and completely destroy those who oppose us? In the trials we are facing today... how do we pray?
“But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.”
1 Timothy 6:8 ESV
I used to go backpacking when I was young, and when I prepared my pack I placed only those things in it that I would absolutely need for each trip because I knew that I would have to carry this on my back for the duration, and that all I really needed was just enough to get me through the few days and miles ahead. The joy of camping wasn’t in carrying every creature comfort I could imagine on my back, but in what I saw, and overcame, along the way. Each of my journeys into the wilderness had a beginning and an end, so I took only what I needed for that period of time, and to face what I would encounter along the way.
“For each will have to bear his own load.”
Galatians 6:5 ESV
Our lives are much like my youthful hiking trips, we shouldn’t intend to remain in the wilderness of earthly life, but to pass through it, surviving the struggles it presents, and enjoying the sights and lessons of faith along the way. Whatever we put into our life’s pack we must carry on our backs as we travel through it, and too much weight can cause us to breakdown, falter, and to fail in our pilgrimage; to fall prey to the world before reaching our heavenly destination...
“But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.”
1 Timothy 6:9 ESV
To this end, what will we put into our pack for the trip ahead? Well, to determine that we need to understand what we desire our destination to be, and pack only what we need to get there. If we pack anything more it will weigh us down, and if we pack too little we might die along the way. So if our destination is eternity with God, and to enter into the peace, and joy He provides then we must select those things necessary to give us strength, and provide us with sustenance along the way...
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Psalms 73:26 ESV
“"The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him."”
Lamentations 3:24 ESV
“The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.”
Psalms 16:5 ESV
And we also need to survive all the trials we will face along the way, and bear the load on our backs as we trek, so we must carry those things that will help us in that regard...
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:7 ESV
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."”
Matthew 11:28-30 ESV
These provisions are simple, light, and easily fit into our packs. With the Word of God, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the understanding of the Holy Spirit, all else is unnecessary, and becomes a burden. With only this perfect portion in our pack we are clothed and fed each day, provided with living water, and defended from every enemy. God’s Word is like the Swiss Army Knife in our pack that has a tool for every occasion, and in this tool of faith we find all our needs met... and the gospel is like the prepackaged freeze dried meals that provide us with all the nutrition needed for our journey. Then we need one more thing... an understanding of how to use those things we have packed, and for this we tuck the Holy Spirit into a handy pocket.
This is our pack of faith, and with it we need nothing else. We needn’t carry the world on our back, or face troubles alone. After all, we aren’t meant to live here... only pass through.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for this journey of life in which you show us the wonders of your creation, and provide for our every need along the way. Thank you for giving us your protection, your Son who lightens our load, and a guide in the form of your Holy Spirit to lead us in the way. Help us Holy Father To resist the temptation to see the earthly burdens around us, and feel that we must shoulder them. Help us to remain focused on you, and to listen for your voice as we travel through this valley. Teach us to fear no evil, and to know that you are with us in every trial, temptation, and travail. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who is sufficient for us, and who meets our every need. Great are you who meets our challenges, and defeats all our enemies. Merciful are you who pours your grace upon us through Jesus, and washes us pure in His blood. We praise your name Father in all of our lives, and every step of faith we take. We thank you for each breath we draw, and your sweet fragrance that surrounds us. Hear our prayers Father, and help us to make them pleasing to you... conforming to your will, and with an understanding of your nature. Have mercy on us Lord, and make our journey swift, our load light, and the awe we experience in your creation sensually, and spiritually overwhelming. Experience our love for you Father, as we love you with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. Bring us safely into your kingdom, your house, and your family, forevermore.
“For all the peoples walk each in the name of its god, but we will walk in the name of the Lord our God forever and ever.”
Micah 4:5 ESV
Rich Forbes