This is the Stuff

This morning I woke up with a headache and feeling tired. Not the greatest start to my day. Just a little bit later, I got online to renew a library book only to discover that I had, in fact, missed the due date on NINE other books… Yay for fines on nine overdue books… As I sat stewing over the fact that I forgot to renew nine books (You have no idea how much that irks me…!!), all of a sudden a line from a song popped into my head:


“In the middle of my little mess
 I forget how big I'm blessed.”


That song, “This is the Stuff” by Francesca Battistelli, started running through my mind, and I realized I had a choice. I could let the annoyances of my morning dictate my attitude (and then, ultimately, my day), or I could let it go and remember the many blessings God has placed in my life. I’m realizing more and more how many of these “little” choices we have each day. Even though it is easier to just give in to whatever emotion we’re feeling and let that dictate our day, we do have a choice. We can choose to refocus on God, and on what is really important. Satan will use any opportunity he can to trip us up, and to get us to focus on the negative, to stop us from praising and thanking God.

In my life this morning, Satan used nine overdue books. I’m thankful that God brought to mind that line from the song, and that (this time) I chose to refocus on my Father and His blessings. It truly takes effort to turn your attitude around and start thanking God, because it does not come naturally. But we are told over and over again the Bible to thank God, no matter what our circumstances are.

• “I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.” Psalm 7:17

• “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. “ Psalm 107:1

• “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

• “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17

Thinking about my morning, I can thank God for a couple of things:

Thank You, Father, that the books were due just two days ago, so my fines were not very high.

Thank You, Father, that I checked online this morning, before too many more days went by without my knowing that I had books overdue.

And thank You, Father, for reminding me through nine overdue library books that Your ways are not my ways, and for teaching me yet another lesson in patience.

“This is the stuff that drives me crazy
This is the stuff that's getting to me lately
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've gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing
Might not be what I would choose
But this the stuff You use

So break me of impatience
Conquer my frustrations.”
-Francesca Battistelli, “This is the Stuff

 

Satisfied in Him

"God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him." -John Piper

I have this quote written out on a piece of paper on a corkboard in my room, and I reread it last night. It's one of my favorite quotes, and it struck me once again.

I realized that lately I haven't been satisfying myself in God. I haven't been doing it intentionally, but I've been letting myself focus on other things. As a result, I've noticed that I've been restless lately, discontent and downhearted. I think I've been looking for fulfillment and peace elsewhere, without even realizing it at times.

There's another quote I really like by Michelle Graham from her book Wanting to be Her. She writes that "God did not put him in my life to fulfill my needs. Otherwise I wouldn't need God anymore," (Wanting to be Her, page 96). By "him" she means a boyfriend/fiancé/husband, but I also think it applies to any person in your life, or really anything at all, for that matter. God did not put my family, my boyfriend, my church, my school, or anything else, in my life to fulfill me or my needs. Anytime I try to find fulfillment or peace or satisfaction in anything other than God, I will be let down.

God designed us to want HIM, to desire HIM. And only He can fill that place in our lives, that hole in our hearts. We can find true satisfaction and real peace in Him alone. The part I think is so awesome is that when we are satisfied in God, He is glorified in us!!

Father, forgive me for looking for satisfaction and peace elsewhere. You alone can satisfy, and You alone can give us peace. Thank You for Your love and faithfulness. You are so faithful, so good. Help me to keep my eyes on You, satisfying myself in You alone. I pray that You will be glorified above all else!

"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days." Psalm 90:14