(George Mylne, “Lessons for the Christian’s Daily Walk” 1859) LISTEN to audio! Download audio
“Better what the eye sees [the enjoyment of what is available to one] than the cravings of wandering desire. This is also vanity [emptiness, meaninglessness, and futility] and a striving after the wind and a feeding on it!” Ecclesiastes 6:9 Amplified Bible
It is a bitter disappointment for a man to long for what he has not–for what he cannot have. That is,
to sigh for plenty, in the midst of poverty;
or aspire for luxury, and have nothing but simple fare;
to have dreams of grandeur and ambition, and yet to walk in humble life;
or aspire to eminence, and then return to our mundane occupations.
All this is indeed lamentable to the heart!
Oh, how “desire” wanders, refusing to be satisfied with present comforts! Memory revels in the past; and hope dwells upon the future. The soul thus feeds on shadows–and leaves reality behind.
The Christian has a remedy which never fails, when properly applied–the Savior’s presence. This . . .
turns poverty to riches;
invests the humblest meal with luxury;
makes crowded cities as pleasant as the mountain top;
imparts refreshment in the midst of labor;
fills voids with Christ’s fullness; and
gives us the presence of the best of friends.
“Surely, I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion)–to the very close and consummation of the age!” Matthew 28:20
Children of God! your heavenly Father says, “All things are yours!” (1 Cor. 3:21)–in the degree and manner that is good for me. All the gold in the world is Christ’s, and as His child, He gives me just as much as suits my best interest. If more were good for me–would not my loving Savior give me more: money, or material things, or health, or friendship?
Come back, then, wandering desire! Do not roam abroad over that which is not yours–that is forbidden ground.
What is your present lot? Scan it well; look at it through the lens of faith, and you will see a blessing in it. You will find a Father’s love, a Savior’s presence, and the Spirit’s comforts–wrapped in the garb of present things, and rays of glory coming from them all.
Is not what I now have, better than the cravings of wandering desire–with such realities, better, far better, than the shadows of wandering desire!
“Be content with what you have. For God has said: I will never fail you. I will never abandon you!” Hebrews 13:5
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