Longings...

Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can't take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.

When you think of longings of the heart, what comes to mind? I think of that deep desire that we all have inside us, for something, to have complete contentment. Maybe you think of a person, a passion that you hope to become successful, maybe it's being able to watch the sunset over the ocean every day. A happy retirement. Successful kids- whatever that may mean to you. These are all natural desires, hopes, dreams. But how often do we think of our contentment in the Lord?

My devotional today took me to 1 Timothy 6:6. I always continue reading, to gain more insight or out of curiosity of what the context of that one verse is. Following godliness and contentment in verse 6, comes a warning that blared out at me.

When you think of the longings of the heart, what comes to mind? This question invites us to delve into the depths of our innermost desires and aspirations. I think of that profound yearning that resides within each of us, a longing for something that transcends the mundane and offers a sense of complete contentment. This yearning often manifests in various forms, each uniquely shaped by our experiences, values, and individual circumstances.

Perhaps you envision a particular person who ignites a spark of joy within you, someone whose presence brings warmth and a sense of belonging. This could be a partner, a close friend, or even a family member who embodies the love and support we crave. Alternatively, you might think of a passion or vocation that you ardently hope to pursue, a dream that fuels your ambition and drives you toward success. This could be anything from creating art, writing a novel, or building a business—each goal representing a piece of your heart's desire.

Moreover, some may find their longings expressed through simple yet profound experiences, such as the wish to watch the sunset over the ocean every day. The image of vibrant colors painting the sky as the sun dips below the horizon evokes a sense of peace and tranquility that many yearn for. It symbolizes a moment of stillness and reflection, a time to appreciate the beauty of life and its fleeting nature.

As we contemplate these desires, we might also consider the dream of a happy retirement—a time when we can finally relax and enjoy the fruits of our labor. This phase of life often represents freedom, adventure, and the opportunity to explore new hobbies and interests that we may have set aside during our working years. Similarly, the desire for successful children can weigh heavily on our hearts; we envision their happiness, accomplishments, and well-being, hoping they find their own paths to fulfillment.

These longings—whether they are for relationships, passions, experiences, or the well-being of loved ones—are all natural desires, hopes, and dreams that shape our existence. They reflect our aspirations and the deeper meanings we seek in our lives. However, amidst these pursuits, how often do we pause to reflect on our contentment in the Lord?

My devotional today took me to 1 Timothy 6:6.

Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can't take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. 1 Timothy 6:6-8

I liked the frankness of the statement. It resonated deeply with me, as it captures a profound truth that often gets overshadowed by the busyness of life. The reality is that we can't take anything with us when our time on this earth comes to an end. This stark reminder raises an important question: why are we holding so tightly to those material possessions and fleeting experiences? Are we clinging to them in hopes of finding security or happiness, or do they serve as distractions from the more meaningful aspects of our existence?

As I pondered these questions, I continued reading, and the text seemed to come alive, drawing me in with its raw honesty and depth. It was as if God got right up in my face— in a good way, of course. The words felt like a personal invitation to reflect on my life choices and priorities. Each sentence seemed to challenge me to examine the things I valued most. It was a moment of clarity, where I felt His divine presence urging me to let go of the unnecessary burdens I had been carrying.

But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pieced themselves with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:9-10

Many of us might say, "But I don't love money." It’s a common sentiment, one that reflects a deeper understanding of our values and priorities. I mean, yes, money is undoubtedly nice to have; it provides comfort, security, and opportunities that enhance our lives. However, many of us would argue that we don't hold it in such high regard that it would lead us down a path of moral compromise or evil actions. This perspective on money, while valid, opens up a broader and more profound conversation about our desires and attachments. What God whispered to me was, "fill in the blank then." This simple yet powerful prompt invites us to reflect on what truly occupies our hearts and minds. What if we made the verse,

But people who long to _________________ fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.

This verse serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers that accompany unchecked desires. I had to sit up and pray, allowing the weight of this reflection to sink in. It can be so easy for the things that easily entangle us—be they material possessions, unhealthy relationships, or even the pursuit of status, partying, drinking, experimenting, stubbornness, anger—to trap us. When we allow our focus to shift from God to these distractions, we risk losing sight of what truly matters. It is a wake-up call that whatever it is that distracts you can bring you down, leading you away from the path of righteousness and fulfillment that God has laid out for us. Over time, as we give in to these distractions, we may find ourselves craving that thing more and more, leading us to wander from the faith that once anchored us. This wandering creates a dullness in our spiritual lives, a sense of numbness that can and will keep us from experiencing the abundant life God has intended for us. Therefore, it is time for deep reflection and brutal honesty. What would you fill in the blank? What is it that you long for? Is it recognition, success, control, or perhaps something else entirely? Identifying these desires is the first step toward understanding how they might be influencing our lives and our relationship with God.

In this moment of introspection, we must consider the implications of our desires. Are they leading us closer to God, or are they pulling us away? This self-examination is crucial, as it allows us to confront the truth about our priorities and the potential pitfalls that come with them. We must ask ourselves: Are we seeking fulfillment in things that ultimately do not satisfy? Are we allowing our longing for certain things to overshadow our devotion to God? By filling in that blank, we can begin to uncover the distractions that may be holding us back from fully embracing the life and purpose God has for us. It is a journey of awareness, repentance, and ultimately, renewal.

Put it into practice:

Fill in the blank with what you might be holding onto. Let God speak to you about it. He will be gentle and kind, not shaming or demeaning. Put it into prayer, and you will feel His gentle tug if there are changes to be made.

I am not a Bible scholar or preacher, I am just a girl who loves Jesus. This is my interpretation of things I have learned. I hope it can encourage you and lead you to the bible to see the truth for yourself. :-)

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation.