A Prayer for Contentment and Simplicity amidst the Holiday Rush
By Keri Eichberger
Bible Reading:
“Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” - Psalm 37:4
Listen or Read Below:
Delight? No, I’m not so much feeling it. Discontent probably better describes my mood most mornings lately if I’m being bluntly honest. But, “Delightful Lord” were the words that opened my daily devotion that particular recent morning, reminding me of one of my favorite verses. Psalm 37:4 says, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” And I actually think a lot of believers love this verse because of the suggestion that God might just give us what our hearts desire. I mean, sure, we all want what we want, right? And the thought that God would fulfill it for us, we’d say, “Sign me up!” Amen? But, we often neglect to emphasize daily–especially when we don’t feel so delighted, but more discontent instead–the most important part of the verse. The instruction that actually opens the door to the good stuff we want and desire—to “delight in the Lord.”
Fortunately, over the evolving years, I’ve come to cherish this verse more for its intended message as I’ve matured in my faith and deepened my understanding of God‘s Word. And I’m learning that when I focus on delighting in him, delight and contentment are what I start to find in the world around me. As my heart becomes more aligned with his heart, through increased time in praise and his presence, my desires shift to his desires. And I start to see that I already have, or am in the process of unfolding, that which my heart ultimately longs for. And my contentment with the simple and small surrounding me swells. Do you feel somewhat discontent amidst your swirl of situations? And are you also longing for some peace and delight?
As I sit and sulk a bit this holiday season, feeling discontent with what’s not going as planned or disappointed by what feels crazier and much more rushed than I’d hoped, I know what I need to do. I need to shift my gaze to praise. I need to slow down and take delight in the Lord. Knowing that there, with him, he opens the eyes of my heart wide and I find what I truly desire. Which is to be seen and known, and to know, the Lord our God. To know and experience delight. True delight. That is only found in our savior, Jesus Christ, who is the whole reason for this entire season. True delight. Where I find contentment in the simple. Where I notice the actual abundance I’ve been overlooking and where I access these great gifts our good God has never stopped giving–my deepest heart’s desires–when I take the time to truly delight in him.
Friend, I know you want delight to fill your soul this season too. And you can find it. It’s true. If you are feeling at all discontent or the complexity and craze of your recent days, will you consider taking more time to delight in the Lord? Reflect over and boldly worship with songs proclaiming the coming King of Kings. Read through and marvel over the majesty of the birth story of our Messiah. Extend your daily prayer and devotion time with the Light of the World. Offer up increases of rich praise and thanks, one after another, for all things he’s given and all things he’s done. And in this, in his delightful radiant presence, you will allow more delight to refresh your soul.
Let’s Pray:
Sufficient God, You are the delight of my life. Yet, I need to ask for forgiveness for failing to approach each day feeling delightful, as I become consumed with what hasn’t yet happened as I hoped. And as I get caught up with the swelling rush of life. I know you long to give me the divine gifts my heart desires. And I know you are the source of all my heart's desires. Heavenly Father, As I increase my time with you, and extend more of my focus to you, align my heart with yours. Allow me to see more, as you would see. To see that I already have so much that I’ve always wanted. And to find contentment with the seemingly small and simple blessings. I acknowledge you are the one who gives it all. In this truth and awareness, I find great delight, and I praise you! Lord, I delight in all that you offer and all that you are. I delight in you. In your Son's holy name, Amen.
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