I guess contentment is on my mind. Please bear with me.
Per WebMD, “Heart’s ease is a plant. The parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine. Heart’s ease is used for speeding up metabolism, soothing sore throat, reducing whooping cough symptoms, and treating constipation. Some people apply heart’s ease directly to the skin for dry skin and other skin conditions including dandruff, warts, acne, rash, eczema, and impetigo. Store heart’s ease in a well-sealed container and away from light.”
The book, “The Herb Called ‘Heart-Ease’” was written by John Bunyan (1628-1688), the author of the well known Christian allegory, “The Pilgrim’s Progress”. John and I were best friends. Below is a picture of a signed copy of his book. Well, I guess that’s a bit of stretch. I signed the book.
Within “The Herb Called ‘Heart-Ease’ there is a powerful poem for our refreshing. Here is a portion of that prose:
He that is down needs fear no fall,
He that is low no pride.
He that is humble ever shall
Have God to be his guide.
I am content with what I have,
Little be it or much:
And, Lord, contentment still I crave,
Because thou savest such....
There are times, too many times, when I need contentment. I hear other voices calling me to be discontented with my life. Thankfully, I’m a sheep so I do know my Master’s voice; still, sometimes, it’s difficult to hear His voice above the din from this world. If this is you then I invite you to pray this prayer with me:
Lord Jesus, as You are the Master of my soul, I ask for contentment in my life. So often I need to be reminded to be content and to find my rest in You. Like a faithful dog quietly and contentedly leans in on his Master at the close of the day so I need to lean in on You. Help me to hold fast to the truth that there’s nothing I need to worry about. For, as Paul wrote, “I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me…” (Phil 4:13 AMP)
Jesus, by faith in You I receive Your contentment. I ask for the Holy Spirit’s refreshing. I thank you for rest and renewal and for Your for uncountable blessings May Your peace grow within me and my faith be shown by my works You’ve planted in me. Amen
