At some point over the past weekend I read a story about the tragedy that continues in Haiti. Seriously, I have a memory like a sieve- and so, I do not remember a lot of the details being conveyed. But I do remember one thing. There is one point that sticks out in my mind, like a bright colorful neon sign. “Think about this more! Think about this more!” Its been flashing repetitively, again and again. Pulsating in my brain. Could it be the Holy Spirit?
The story was told of how a storm was coming across the ocean towards Haiti. The aid and relief workers there were trying to convince the people of a tent city, thousands of people who had already suffered mass devastation not that long ago, to leave the few things they had and move to safety. Many refused. They had so little, this was all they had left. Why should they want to move to safety?
They didn’t want to survive without their belongings.
I think about this account, sitting in my warm, comfortable home, on my nice couch, while typing on my high-tech laptop, with a full tummy from a yummy lunch and the list goes on and on. I have everything I need multiplied by 100. I can’t say I blame them. I certainly have no room to judge them.
I find myself in need of a serious heart adjustment. I am easily swallowed whole by an addiction to stuff. And while I realize that the people of Haiti are living in the middle of devastation and I know nothing of the sort – it still proves this fact: each of us is capable, no matter the situation, of finding their peace and satisfaction in tangible things. I am one of the worst offenders on this point.
Perhaps that is why the sign was flashing so brightly in my mind. I need to refocus, especially at this time of year. It seems ironic in a way; I need to work on being thankful, but at the same time I’m making Christmas lists. Its easy to make a super long tally of all the things I’d like to have or “need” – when really I should just be content and thankful. I need to keep my mind on Christ and the things that are not seen, the things that can not be touched or held. These things can’t be found on Amazon, or bought at the local mall.
So. Here is the real truth, applied to my heart. Real life in Christ can only be lived to the fullest when my heart centers on the intangible gifts from God and His Word; when material things are an afterthought for me. I know this is only done by HIS strength. The same question keeps going through my mind:
If I lived in that tent city in Haiti right now, would my thoughts be like Paul’s in Philippians 4?
“11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
And my answer is : I don’t know. But, this is my prayer today.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the neon signs that You send my way, illuminating the darkest parts of my heart. Will you help Paul’s words to be mine, too? Let me walk through this life, realizing your power that can help me need “stuff” less. May I understand that true contentment only comes from knowing You more. amen
daily portion 