Finding Peace: An Advent StudyNäide

CONTENTMENT and GREED

Have you ever wanted something more? Have you ever felt dissatisfied or discontent? Have you ever found yourself looking for more, hoping for more? In Genesis 3, Eve and Adam, for the first time, considered that there might be more. Maybe what God had given them wasn’t enough. Maybe their lives weren’t complete.

Adam and Eve wanted more. But the reality was they already had it all.

Shalom is the Hebrew word for peace. It means far more than the absence of striving or war. Its meaning is closer to the idea of completeness, something being whole. Before sin, what God had made was perfectly complete. All of creation was in a state of shalom with God. Adam and Eve’s relationship with one another and with God was wholly complete. Perfect.

Since the Fall, we have been plagued with a desire to do more, be more, have more. No one wants to be labeled greedy, but that’s who we are.

And then Jesus enters our lives. And He promises to restore shalom. He promises to make our lives complete. He promises to satisfy our every craving for more with something far bigger and better than anything in this world.

Ask Yourself: What are the areas of discontent in my life?

Pause to Pray: Take a few deep breaths. Inhale His peace, and exhale your worries. When you’re ready, open your hands and pray (ACTS method)-

Adoration (praise)- Lord Jesus, You are enough…

Confession- Jesus, forgive my greed and discontent…

Thanksgiving- Thank you, Lord, for providing…

Supplication (say what you need)- Jesus, open my eyes and heart…