“A tranquil, peaceful heart gives life to the body, but envy makes the bones rot.” Prov. 14:30
Lord Jesus, what a shocking contrast—a tranquil heart gives life, but envy rots bones. Hmmm… which shall I choose? Personally, I don’t crave a “smart home” with all the technology now available. But I do miss remembering names like I could in the past, and it does take a little longer to retrieve information that used to be on the tip of my tongue. And I do get envious of my friends that can fix anything, build stuff, and follow instructions that come “in the box.”
Though I can tell anybody how to get to heaven (hallelujah for the Gospel!), I didn’t get the “GPS chip” and am seriously directionally impaired. Especially when I compare myself to my friends who have a built-in compass, sonar, gyroscope, and radar. I’d also love a dark olive complexion never impacted by the sun; but alas, my pasty white skin invites sun damage like Winnie the Pooh always finds honey.
So how can a tranquil, peaceful heart be gained and cultivated? There’s no pill, formula, or “easy fix”—and only in heaven will we enjoy a perfected 100% peace-full heart. But until then, I know of no other way than walking with you—spending time adoring and communing with you, Jesus.
The more I behold your beauty, the less anything else dazzles and tempts me. The more I’m alive to the riches of grace, the more other currencies lose their value and hold on my heart. The more I hear you singing to me in the Gospel, Jesus, the less having people’s approval, or getting their criticism, matters.
And for sure—having friends who love you, own their weaknesses, live on mission, repent easy, and are committed to mutual encouragement helps a ton—make that several tons. There’s more, but for now… So Very Amen.