The goal of my book Waking Up Slowly was to examine actions and attitudes that cause us to be less connected to God and one another. One of the things you can be sure of when you write or teach about your faith is that you will get a pop quiz on your own material.
John Lennon famously wrote that “life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans”. I think we can all relate to that. You have expectations for a day or project that are derailed by unseen events. Schedules don’t line up. People let you down. The daily rhythms of life can be frustrating. At times if feels like the universe is conspiring against you. But I believe there is joy to be found and sacred moments to discover in the most frustrating situations. My lovely wife calls these moments “postcards from God”. Satan relentlessly reminds us of how bad our situation is and that we probably are partly or mainly responsible. I remember being in one of those spiritual funks when a song randomly popped up on the playlist.
The melody is bouncy and fun as Battistelli sings about the potential beatdown of modern life.
I lost my keys in the great unknown
And call me please ‘Cuz I can’t find my phone
Later Francesca sings about another “fun” moment in life.
45 in a 35
Sirens and fines while I’m running behind
Been there, done that, got the defensive driving t-shirt. And then she sings honestly about our normal reaction to the mundane irritations of life.
This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff that’s getting to me lately
Paul had some stuff going on that could have driven him crazy or worse. He realized that contentment is not found in good circumstances. He wrote these words from prison while chained to a Roman soldier.
I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. (Philippians, The Message)
I am so grateful that Paul did not write I “am” content and I “know” the secret even though those words could have been true. He was divinely inspired to honestly write that he had “learned” to be content and he had “learned” the secret of being content. It did come naturally or easily to Paul either. Don’t be discouraged. If you are following Jesus and learning to daily trust Him for your strength then you are learning as well. Contentment is learning how to be present in the present with Jesus. Our nature is to not enjoy the moment at hand and the blessings that usually surround us. That is a lesson that today’s song relates as well.
In the middle of my little mess
I forget how big I’m blessed
This is the stuff that gets under my skin
But I gotta trust You know exactly what You’re doing
It might not be what I would choose
But this is the stuff You use
I love that line about forgetting how “big I’m blessed”. That is so easy to do. Satan would have us live in regret of the past and fear of the future so we will not be content in the moment with Him. I am learning that part of being content on the journey with Jesus is trusting Him one day at a time. You can’t live in regret of the past. It is forgiven. You can’t live in fear of the future. It is in God’s Hands. You live in the moment, one day at a time, trusting Him for that day.
Life’s irritations are definitely not the stuff I would choose. I love blue skies and green lights. My game plan for today is to trust God with the stuff life throws at me. I can give Him the stuff that drives me crazy when I believe that is one way God matures my faith.
…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12, NIV)
Don’t lose heart over the little stuff. Remember who you are in Christ and remember how “big” you are blessed today.
Life Happens
Dave BurchettThe goal of my book Waking Up Slowly was to examine actions and attitudes that cause us to be less connected to God and one another. One of the things you can be sure of when you write or teach about your faith is that you will get a pop quiz on your own material.
John Lennon famously wrote that “life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans”. I think we can all relate to that. You have expectations for a day or project that are derailed by unseen events. Schedules don’t line up. People let you down. The daily rhythms of life can be frustrating. At times if feels like the universe is conspiring against you. But I believe there is joy to be found and sacred moments to discover in the most frustrating situations. My lovely wife calls these moments “postcards from God”. Satan relentlessly reminds us of how bad our situation is and that we probably are partly or mainly responsible. I remember being in one of those spiritual funks when a song randomly popped up on the playlist.
Francesca Battistelli’s song “This is the Stuff” made me smile and helped me remember what I wrote in that book. I can choose to be content in Christ.
The melody is bouncy and fun as Battistelli sings about the potential beatdown of modern life.
Later Francesca sings about another “fun” moment in life.
Been there, done that, got the defensive driving t-shirt. And then she sings honestly about our normal reaction to the mundane irritations of life.
Paul had some stuff going on that could have driven him crazy or worse. He realized that contentment is not found in good circumstances. He wrote these words from prison while chained to a Roman soldier.
I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. (Philippians, The Message)
I am so grateful that Paul did not write I “am” content and I “know” the secret even though those words could have been true. He was divinely inspired to honestly write that he had “learned” to be content and he had “learned” the secret of being content. It did come naturally or easily to Paul either. Don’t be discouraged. If you are following Jesus and learning to daily trust Him for your strength then you are learning as well. Contentment is learning how to be present in the present with Jesus. Our nature is to not enjoy the moment at hand and the blessings that usually surround us. That is a lesson that today’s song relates as well.
I love that line about forgetting how “big I’m blessed”. That is so easy to do. Satan would have us live in regret of the past and fear of the future so we will not be content in the moment with Him. I am learning that part of being content on the journey with Jesus is trusting Him one day at a time. You can’t live in regret of the past. It is forgiven. You can’t live in fear of the future. It is in God’s Hands. You live in the moment, one day at a time, trusting Him for that day.
Life’s irritations are definitely not the stuff I would choose. I love blue skies and green lights. My game plan for today is to trust God with the stuff life throws at me. I can give Him the stuff that drives me crazy when I believe that is one way God matures my faith.
…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12, NIV)
Don’t lose heart over the little stuff. Remember who you are in Christ and remember how “big” you are blessed today.