If Only

If Only

T. Suzanne Eller

Have you ever lived in the land of the if-onlys?

If only I had more money, things would be easier.

If only I lost ten pounds, I’d be happier.

If only they’d recognize my talent, I’d feel more appreciated.

Not too long ago, my husband and I were praying about his career. Not only did an answer not come, but every door shut that we thought would easily open. As time passed, I set up house in the land of my if-onlys.

If only we had clear direction.

If only we could begin that dream God placed in our hearts. If only, if only, if only …

Soon these unspoken words dominated my thoughts. They crept into my prayers. They tiptoed into my relationship with my husband.

One day, while reading King’s Cross by Timothy Keller, these words leapt from the page:

The Bible says that our real problem is that every one of us is building our identity on something besides Jesus. Whether it’s to succeed in our chosen field or to have a certain relationship—or even to get up and walk—we’re saying, “If I have that, if I get my deepest wish, then everything will be okay.” … You’ve distorted your deepest wish by trying to make it into your savior.

I suddenly saw myself and how my deepest wish had shifted. Where once I longed for God, now my thoughts and actions revolved around what I didn’t have and what I couldn’t control.

That night I confessed to my husband that I had not only moved into the land of the if-onlys but had built a house and established citizenship there. I promised that instead of focusing on what we didn’t have and what wasn’t happening in our lives, I would begin to treasure what we did have.

Today we have food. We have shelter. Our home is warm. Thank You for that gift, Father.

Today I hold a grandbaby in my arms. See her precious smile? I delight in that, Lord.

Today I sit in the living room and laugh with my husband. Thank You for joy.

Today and every day I am Yours, Jesus. You are more than enough.

Godly contentment isn’t passive but an active faith that says God is enough. You and I are okay because our deepest wish doesn’t revolve around money in the bank, losing ten pounds, or being recognized for our efforts.

Are you living in the land of the if-onlys? If so, are you willing to change your deepest wish from the if-only to focusing instead on what you have and thanking God for it?

Dear Lord, I trust that You are enough and You are good. You are my sufficiency. I find my identity and joy in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

REMEMBER

Don’t miss the miracles of today because you are so focused on tomorrow.

REFLECT

Take a moment to consider your if-onlys. Write down one or two that come to mind. How much time and energy do you devote to thinking about these things or trying to make them happen?

RESPOND

For each if-only you identified, write down two or three statements that focus on treasuring what you do have. Use these statements to shift your perspective from the if-onlys to God.

POWER VERSES

Matthew 6:33–34; Hebrews 13:5