“Lord, You are more precious than silver; Lord, You are more costly than gold; Lord, You are more beautiful than diamonds; And nothing I desire compares with You.”
That’s the song running through my head right now. I’ve been saving and saving money to replace our expensive camera which was stolen about six weeks ago at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. I finally have enough money saved up to make the purchase, but with the government shutdown looming over our heads we are choosing to save those funds in case of emergency needs. I am really, really struggling with that decision even though I know it is the right thing to do.
How many times do I allow my desire for costly things consume my thoughts, my work schedule, my attitude. I’ve been moping around and not blogging as much — blaming it on the fact that I don’t have a camera to take pictures with. You don’t need a camera to write! I’ve been dreaming about that camera and how much fun I will have learning how to use it properly and taking pictures again. I think it’s pretty safe to say I’ve gotten a little obsessed. I might have even thrown a mini temper tantrum when my husband said “Not yet.”
Nothing I desire compares to you!
That’s so very true, and yet it is so very hard to live this truth in our daily thought lives isn’t it?
Besides drawing our focus away from God, there are other pitfalls in a strong desire for that material possession you just can’t live without. As women, we can alienate our husbands and providers when we complain whatever we lack. We can lose site of Godly priorities in our home and spend our time daydreaming and planning instead. We can become bitter and complaining women, infecting the hearts of all who hear us.
So what’s the alternative?
I am choosing this moment to lift my heart in praise. Like fasting, when hunger is a trigger for prayer — I will choose those moments when my mind is drawn to the subject of a new camera and redirect my thoughts towards praise. That’s what started the song now running through my head tonight. Care to join me?
“Lord, Your love is wide as the ocean. Lord, Your love is deep as the sea. Lord, Your love encompasses the nations, And that is all I want to live in me.” (from More Precious than Silver by Lynn DeShazo)
I love that song. The words are a timely reminder, too.