The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want, Psalm 23:1
This is the time of year when a lot of us can feel triggered when we scroll through Instagram. Impeccably decorated homes, seemingly perfect family gatherings, and opulent holiday trips can cause us to look around at our messy house, think of a fight we got in with our spouse, and be reminded that debt has creeped into our bank account. Comparison will often lead to discontentment. When I begin to feel less than worthy because of a stranger’s social, or even a close friend’s, media account, I have learned to step back, get off my phone, and quiet the voices that say, “You’re not good enough.” Social media is a staged platform and people can choose the narrative they desire to portray. What you see is not always true. Sometimes the perfectly curated photo is hiding a big mess behind the lens, or the picture-perfect couple is putting on a front. I can’t allow myself to compare my life with an image, good or bad; I endeavor to reflect the image of God in my life, not a superficial image that instead of filling a void, creates a larger one.
Ungratefulness is the culprit of discontentment and doubt.
There are many moments throughout my life when I have felt like I have lacked. When that overwhelming sense of discontentment sweeps over me, I need to enter into my prayer closet until I can genuinely pray, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” My husband and I had a miscarriage during our first pregnancy. The anguish that ruled my life was unbearable, but I still felt the peace of God during my lowest valley. Yes, I asked God, “Why? Why is this happening to me? I’ve prayed for so long to have a baby and now I’m left with empty arms that should have cradled my baby.” I had to rediscover that the Lord is my shepherd, on the mountain and in the valley. I’m so thankful that my husband and I have a precious little girl now, who is the joy of our every day, but I will always cherish and love our little angel baby that is in heaven in the arms of Jesus. I truly desire to have the joy of the Lord permeate every facet of my life, not because it is perfect, but because I serve the One who is. The purest form of contentment will be found in the presence of our Shepherd who will lead and guide us. Would you allow Him to lead you today? Prayer: Lord, nothing this world has to offer will fill the empty places in my heart. Only You, Lord, can fill the void in my life. I give You all of me. Help my eyes be fixed on You today and every day.
Author

Angela Overton is a lover of words, nature, and coffee. She is an ordained minister with the UPCI, has a Masters Degree in Theology, and loves to teach Bible studies. She and her amazing husband, Michael, pastor in Silver Spring, Maryland.

2 Comments

  1. Leanna C.

    This blessed my soul, Angela. In a world of what’s the next best thing, we must not lose sight that THE best thing is with us and in us – JESUS!