New materialism & satisfaction

There are days when I think I've won the battle of against the thought of "I want more stuff." In the past, I've countered this with large amounts of donations and a cross-country move.

Then there's a new desire that crops up, or rather, the same temptation that's merely disguised as something different: "I want more high quality things, so I don't miss out." I've countered this with a spending fast or two.

But there is a third rendition of this sneaky desire: "I just want more beauty." Accompanied with this, I feel the need to replace perfectly useful, utilitarian items in my home than can easily be repaired and replace them with beautiful new ones. This last variation is wildly tempting to me, recently.

I don't want to be devoured by materialism and discontent.

I know that God gives me lots of healthy desires that have a place in my life. But for those days when I set out to buy something simply to acquire more and I feel that telltale loss of control, I want to have an answer to it.  I want to be mindful and acknowledge misplaced desires in order to pursue contentedness with an offensive approach. To this end, I made a list of scripture that points to Jesus, for reference, for memorizing, and as a quick guide when I'm in danger of treasuring the newest line of cute clothes from Athleta more than I treasure the gospel:

• You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. (Psalm 4.7)
• Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” (John 6.35)
• For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things. (Psalm 107.9)
• The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the Lord! May your hearts live forever! (Psalm 22.26)
• For I satisfy the weary ones and refresh everyone who languishes. (Jeremiah 31.25)
• But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. (1 Timothy 6.6-8)
• Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, And for His wonders to the sons of men! For He has satisfied the thirsty soul, And the hungry soul He has filled with what is good. (Psalm 107.8-9)

God wants to give us good things!! As a friend so sweetly reminded me today, He is our Father and wants to bless His children. Do you see how often that is reflected in these verses? I want to live in light of that, not in self-deprivation or a denial of all desires, but with a refreshed spirit that knows well the Source of all goodness. My prayer, in the words of Psalm 90:14 is this: O satisfy us in the morning with Your lovingkindness, That we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.