I was talking with a group of folks the other day about the present state of our economy and all that goes with it.  For the most part people were pretty negative about our collective state of affairs.  I’m sure you have been in those kinds of conversations.  It can really bring you down and at times that is not what I need to hear.  So it is always refreshing to run into another friend of mine who when asked, “How’s it going?” he always replies, “Things couldn’t be better.  I am blessed in so many wonderful ways.  And the point is, he REALLY means it.

It is such an encouragement to bump into someone every now and then who is content with his or her lot in life.  As we keep plowing ahead in this economy, many are being challenged to think deeply about what  brings real contentment. Many as well work continuously to acquire more and more, thinking that the secret to a happy, contented life is having more toys.  Then when adversity strikes and they suffer loss, the level of discontentment soars.

The problem is that the covetous can never be content. Their desire is insatiable.  Some people are satisfied with little while others are dissatisfied with much.  And no wave of the wand of wealth will bring contentment.

Many have learned like Paul to be content whatever the circumstances.   He knew sorrow and joy; distress and comfort.  Yet he learned to be independent of all external circumstances.    Centuries before, David had made the same wonderful discovery.  He said, ” The Lord….makes my lot secure.”  And with this knowledge, he was happy and content in life.

As we find ourselves tossed about from all kinds of external circumstances, make it a part of your daily devotion to rehearse all the things that you are thankful for and this will usually silence the demon of discontent.

The parade begins and a thousand different things start their march before your wakeful eyes.

What can be done?  I recently heard about one guy who said, “When I can’t sleep, I just get up and sit in a chair until I bore myself to death.”  Another  reaches for an Ambien or some other kind of sleeping pill.  Yet another tries to fill the wakefulness with some kind of late night TV or surfing the internet.

Having experienced a multitude of these kinds of nights over the years, I have learned a few things about how these wakeful hours can be more productively spent.  Free from distractions of the day, it can be a perfect time for some reflective God-centered  thought.

God is awake in the still of the night and is ready to hear from us.  The time that I have spent during those wakeful times has proven to be so valuable.  Think on God!  Use this time to pray or maybe praise him with a favorite song or hymn.  It has always been an amazing opportunity to get close to the Father.  The quiet stillness seems to allow for a deeper focus and more penetrating praise.

David seemed to understand this when he said, “I remember you and meditate on you during the night watches.”   And of Jesus we read, “he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God (Luke 6:12).

When I can’t sleep, it is amazing how giving this time to the Lord in prayer and praise will settle my my mind and before I know it, I am back to sleeping peacefully.

I love the words refuge and fortress.  They communicate strength, protection, security.  We seem to fight a relentless search from the catastrophies of life.

Across all of history people have sought refuge in various ways.  Some have searched for it in education.  Others have sought refuge in science.  Still others have sought refuge in money.

There is no refuge in such things.  These flimsy fortresses are easily penetrated by disease…accident…war…depression.  And,  if not by these, then by time. Time carves its lines upon the face, dims the eyes and makes the hands tremble.

Only in God can refuge be found. And only in God is there any real fortress.

I love the words of this old hymn.

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,  Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word.  What more can he say than to you He has said, You  who unto Jesus for refuge have fled.

Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed; I, I am they God, and will still give the aid; I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, Upheld by my gracious, omnipotent hand.

As you look into another new year, make sure that  ”In Him will I Trust.”

Lord, we need you so much.  The years go by and we often truly trust in so many other things.  Thank you for being our fortress and our ever present  help in time of trouble.  As we end this year and look into yet another new year, please help us to count on this blessing and to finally learn how to really live in peace through placing all our trust in you alone.  Amen

It was so great these past two Sunday’s however to focus just a little on the real meaning of it all.  Buried beneath the avalanche of silliness is the true meaning of it all.  For years I would race like everyone else through these 30 days and barely have time to think about it. When we started to focus on the Advent, the time when we anticipate the arrival of of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, it helped to keep it all in perspective.

I was fortunate this past Sunday to be able to light the Advent candle of Peace, the second week of Advent at our church.  This second candle reminds us that with the coming of this light, there is peace, for Christ is called the Prince of Peace.  His name is also Emmanuel (God with us).  His presence with us gives us peace day by day.

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us.  The government will rest on his shoulders and he will be called:  Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  His government and its peace will never end.  Isaiah 9:6-7

Heavenly Father, we want to get this month back and truly dedicate it to you.  Thank you for giving us this season of Advent to help us see more clearly the purpose in the greatest gift we will ever receive, the gift of your precious only son, Jesus.  We want to acknowledge him as our Prince of Peace, especially in midst of a time that mostly feels anything but peaceful.  In him alone is peace, perfect peace.  Amen

I found that I did a great deal of reflecting and thinking.  One of the things I thought  about  was my job or basically my overall work journey.   However, what I found myself thinking the most about was not the various jobs I had or the successes and failures (experience) I had gained.  What I thought about the most was the people I had met along the way.  The many friends I had made and the various people who had played a role in my journey.

God has blessed us with jobs and careers that will allow us to provide for our families, but what stands out most in my mind are those who I have worked with over the years and how they have impacted my life.  I have been blessed to have met so many fantastic people at work….as well as a few not so fantastic.  It has been so fun to get to know my fellow co-workers and for a season share life and work.  As I sit here writing this, the memories (by far good ones) are washing over me and I am feeling so thankful.

God expects us to let our light shine at work.  This light attracts people  who if we will open to and get to know will add an incredible texture and depth to our lives.   We were created for relationships.  Believe me, as you get older and reflect, you will be glad you invested the time in getting to know those you work with every day.  It really is all about who you know.

Could it be that we are actually doing the will of the Lord in whatever job we happen to be doing?  Although it may not seem like the work fits  perfectly, God’s plan for your life and work can be trusted completely.  I have often felt that my work was not the greatest fit for who I was, but decided that if God wanted me to do something else, he would make that clear.  He has been so faithful in that area.  My struggle as well as many others is just to get my SELF out of the way and to allow myself to be used by him no matter where he wants me to serve.

Let’s be willing to give up constantly questioning God about the work he has blessed us with.  There are times when it will be fulfilling and times it will seem like total drudgery.  No matter, God will use you for his glory if we will simply be obedient to whatever he has called us to do.  Instead of constantly questioning God’s plan and sovereignty, let’s be thankful that he has given us a place to serve.  As the apostle Paul encourages, lets learn to be content in all things, including our work.  Allow the Lord to guide you and trust that he knows you so much better than you know yourself.