Lord... If only

Have you ever lived in the land of the “if onlys”?

If only I had more money, then things would be easier.
If only I lost 10 pounds, then I’d be happier.
If only they’d recognize my talent, then I’d feel more appreciated.

Not too long ago I was praying about something I wanted. Not only did the answer not come, but every door shut that we thought would open easily. As time passed I started listing my “if onlys.”

If only I had clear direction.
If only I could begin that dream God placed in my heart.
If only, if only, if only …

Soon those unspoken words steered my thought life. They crept into my prayer time. They tiptoed into my relationship with my now fiance.

One day these words from King’s Cross by Timothy Keller leaped from the page:
"The Bible says that our real problem is that every one of us is building our identity on something besides Jesus. Whether it’s to succeed in our chosen field or to have a certain relationship—or even to get up and walk—we’re saying, “If I have that, if I get my deepest wish, then everything will be okay."

Suddenly I saw myself. My deepest wish had shifted. Where once I longed for God, now my thought life and actions revolved around what I didn’t have. What I couldn’t control.

That night I confessed to myself that I had not only moved into the land of the “if onlys” but had anchored there. I promised that instead of focusing on what wasn’t taking place, I would began to treasure what I did have.

Today I have food. I have shelter. My home is warm. Thank You for that gift, Father.

Today I wear a ring on my hand that in many ways is my answered prayer. It makes me proud to look down at it and say... God did this fore me!!! I delight in that, Lord.

Today I get to plan a wedding... a life... a marriage with the man God designed just for me that brings me joy every single day! Thank You for joy.

Today and everyday I am Yours, Jesus. You are more than enough.

Godly contentment isn’t passive, but an active faith that says God is enough. You and I are okay because our deepest wish doesn’t revolve around losing 10 pounds, our career, another person, or whether we’re noticed for our efforts.

Instead of living in the land of the “if onlys”?  are we willing to change our deepest wish from the “if only” to focusing on what we have and thanking God for it?

Father God, I trust that You are enough and You are good. You are my sufficiency. I find my identity and joy in You.