When temptation comes calling

   Temptation. That taboo word that no good Christian person wants to admit they have ever felt. Temptation takes on many forms; greed, lust, envy, gluttony, doubt and even discouragement. The Bible tells us that temptation is common (1 Cor. 10:13) and inevitable (Matt. 18:7.) It even describes a time when Jesus was tempted in Matthew chapter 4. Still think you're above temptation?

   At the heart of temptation, the true beast that it is, is not a game of "Don't you want this?" but rather a deeper stirring of discontentment with what you have and who you are. The word 'discontentment' doesn't sound nearly as dirty as 'temptation,' but indeed they are conjoined twins of evil. Most of us will freely admit we've been discontent at times, and for those of you who won't admit it, well, just admit it.

   I know at this point you're probably wondering why I seem to be trying to make you feel more and more uncomfortable. Sorry, just stay with me and we'll figure this out together. O.k, I need to talk about Bizarro for a minute. If you're not a "berd" like me (beautiful nerd, haha) give me a second to tell you about Bizarro. Bizarro is Superman's exact opposite, his mirror-image. Superman is good, Bizarro is bad. Superman is kind, Bizarro is cruel. Superman is brave, Bizarro is a coward. You get it. My point is this: temptation is merely the bizarro version of contentment.

   Temptation says you need this thing, contentment says you have all you need. Temptation entices you to be unsatisfied with the way things are, contentment encourages you to keep following the path God has you on and assures you that things will work out. Temptation tries to discourage you and make you doubt, contentment believes, hopes and trusts. Temptation says you're missing out, contentment says you've hit the bulls-eye. Temptation reminds you of things you once had, contentment reminds you of all the things He has in store for you.

   O.k, I'm about to get real with you. I feel tempted. Yup, I am freely admitting it in a public place. Bizarro is calling me. The shadows of discontentment are hovering over me and waves of discouragement are beating against my shore. I feel the cold, bitter breeze of doubt giving me goosebumps of confusion. Why am I telling you all of this? Because I know you've been there. Maybe you're there right now.

   The occasional whispers of, "You could be happier," and "Something else would be more exciting," can sometime grow to an echoing roar. When you wake up and think, "Not another day of this," guess what? You're being tempted. When the good choices you've made and the righteous paths you chose aren't quite working out the way you had imagined, and your joy is missing and you're not sure why you don't "feel" they way you think you should. Guess what? You're being tempted.

   Tempted to miss the beauty and joy in today. Tempted to trade thankfulness for emptiness. Tempted to forget who you are, why you're here and why you're doing what you're doing. Tempted to loose sight of the passion that was once in your heart. Tempted to fall out of love with you're Savior, your bridegroom, you're best friend. JUST BREATHE.

   W.W.J.D.? He would answer the tempter with words from the Holy Scriptures. Tell that dirty, lying thief that "People do not live on bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.^" Tell him that there is so much more to life than what we see with our own two eyes and God will always take care of us. We can trust our God. Tell him that ^"You must not test the Lord your God." Tell him that we refuse to doubt our God and give into discouragement. We can trust our God! Tell the stealer of joy that "We must worship the Lord our God and serve only him." Tell him that we know Who is in control, Who measured the waters of the world in His hands, He walks with us through this life and He will fill our cup until it is overflowing! WE CAN TRUST OUR GOD!!!

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd;
    I have all that I need. 

He lets me rest in green meadows;
    he leads me beside peaceful streams. 

     He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
    bringing honor to his name.

Even when I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
    for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
    protect and comfort me.

You prepare a feast for me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
    My cup overflows with blessings.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
    all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
    forever.