This year I have been reading through the Bible
chronologically using Bible Class Material’s reading program which incorporates
readings from both the Old and New Testament daily. http://www.bibleclassmaterial.com/Catalog/Mark%20Roberts/BibleReadingSchedule.htm
Reading through the Old Testament has been an ongoing
lesson on discontentment (as I saw God’s displeasure in the grumblings of the
children of Israel.) I am currently reading through 1 Kings as part of my
study. I felt a great deal of unease reading chapter 11. I had never realized
the end to which Solomon came. I read the chapter carefully and was very
distraught that there was no mention of repentance (Hebrews 6:6.) Matthew Henry
states in his commentary of verses 9-13: “Though
we have reason to hope that he repented, and found mercy, yet the Holy Ghost
did not expressly record it, but left it doubtful, as a warning to others not
to sin.” http://biblehub.com/1_kings/11-9.htm
The story of Solomon did bring out a great concern for
my own soul. My heart is prone to idolatry, often taking the form of
discontentment. I hope that I do not cling to idols in love but grow to abhor
them more. I pray for the grace to be more like Christ, to love him more and
walk in his ways. He is my only hope. After reading 1 Kings 11, I read Romans 8
to find comfort. That wasn’t part of my scheduled study reading but I needed to
hear it.
Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.
God is sovereign and has designed every providence we encounter. Discontentment
is the opposite of glorifying God, it is an attitude that God is not enough,
that his provisions aren’t enough. He tells us over and over in his word he is
our portion and he meets all our needs. Psalm 34:10: The young lions suffer want and hunger; but
those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. Every discontented thought or action is an
insult to God’s character, an expression of covetousness. Ephesians 3:5 tells us: Put to death therefore what is earthly
in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness,
which is idolatry. The
following article further discusses how discontentment is a form of idolatry. http://www.alliancenet.org/placefortruth/column/sine-qua-non/truth-and-idolatry-call-discontent-what-it-is
One of the things that has been a source of
discontentment in my life is having an hour commute to work. Recently at work,
I found myself having anxiety over the situation and prayed for contentment
thinking of 1 Timothy 6:6. But godliness with contentment is a
great gain. On the way home, while listening
to hymns and singing along, I began weeping as God reminded me of how I have benefited
from my commute. It is two hours a day that I typically spend listening to talk
shows on a Christian radio station and listening to Christian music. Two hours
a day that typically is focused on Christian education and worship, how could I
be discontent with that? I have also seen his hand of protection over me in
providing very mild weather conditions last winter and safety during the times
I may have been in danger due to occasional bad weather conditions, drivers
under the influence, deer, and sleepiness, etc.
I know that whatever providences God has for me are for my
own good. I am thankful he has given me the grace to understand this, and
forgiveness for discontentment that seems to readily brew in my heart at the
slightest discomfort.
And we know that for
those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called
according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Praise God, from whom all blessings
flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.
-Common Doxology
-Common Doxology
