It has been awhile since I’ve written anything. I could blame my absence on a mixture of excuses. I could blame it on a critical lack of time, a sad lack of inspiration, or just plain laziness. But, to be quite honest, and maybe a little too revealing, I’ve been in sort of a funk lately – a mood that is very hard to define. I am quite certain that if I can somehow manage to get my heart around the exact thoughts and feelings that are causing this funk I will be able to talk myself out of it.
If you are one of those blessed people who never gets down then go ahead and skip this page. If you however are like most of us, and struggle with a dip in your joy meter every once in a while, then read on. And by all means please offer some comments, encouragements, and suggestions. Perhaps we can help each other.
The following thoughts and ideas are just my way of trying to sort it all out.
How could a life filled with so many blessings and so many reasons for thankfulness, happiness and joy sometimes feel so mundane and joyless? (I feel guilty even writing this question)
Intellectually I know the answer. My mind knows the story and the thoughts of King Solomon found in the book of Ecclesiastes but apparently my heart and soul have not yet grasped the concept.
Contentment vs. Complacency
I know that the Bible teaches that true happiness is found in contentment. (I Timothy 6:6-8, Philippians 4; 12, Proverbs 19:13, Ecclesiastes 12:13-14) However, does striving for self improvement physically, intellectually, or financially signal discontentment? Should I feel guilty when I long for self improvement? Is my desire for physical improvement just vanity? Could my desire for some financial stability be considered greed?
Again, intellectually I know the answer. Godliness and a Fear of the Lord must proceed and far outweigh all else. (Mark 6:33) Honestly, when it comes to text book answers, my head is a lot smarter than my heart – but my heart always wins. (Or perhaps, my trouble is just the opposite)
What do you think?
My heart knows but my head says are you sure??
10 years ago
