Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.— Ecc.6:9
It is a bitter disappointment for a man to long for what he has not–for what he cannot have. That is,
to sigh for plenty–in the midst of poverty;
to aspire for luxury–and have nothing but simple fare;
to have dreams of grandeur and ambition–and yet to walk in humble life;
to aspire to eminence–and then return to our mundane occupations.
All this is indeed lamentable to the heart!
Oh, how “desire” wanders, refusing to be satisfied with present comforts! Memory revels in the past; and hope dwells upon the future. The soul thus feeds on shadows–and leaves reality behind. There is bitterness in this, more than the tongue can tell.
Philosophy says, “Do not repine at your lot, but make the best of it.” This is cold comfort, after all.
Blind fate says, “Hush! it is your destiny.” Neither is this a cure for wandering desire.
The Christian has a remedy which never fails, when properly applied–the Savior’s presence. This . . .
turns poverty to riches;
invests the humblest meal with luxury;
makes crowded cities as pleasant as the mountain top;
imparts refreshment in the midst of labor;
fills voids with Christ’s fullness; and
gives us the presence of the best of friends.
“– I am with you alway (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion)–even unto the end of the world. Amen” — Matthew 28:20
Children of God! your heavenly Father says, “All things are yours!” (1 Corinthians 3:21)–and so they are, in the degree and manner that is good for me. All the gold in the world is Christ’s, and as His child, He gives me just as much as suits my best interest. If more were good for me—would not my loving Savior give me more–money, or material things, or health, or friendship?
Come back, then, wandering desire! Do not roam abroad over that which is not yours–that is forbidden ground.
What is your present lot? Scan it well; look at it through the lens of faith–and you will see a blessing in it. You will find a Father’s love, a Savior’s presence, and the Spirit’s comforts–wrapped in the garb of present things, and rays of glory coming from them all. Is not what I now have, better than the cravings of wandering desire–with such realities, better, far better, than the shadows of wandering desire!— George Mylne, 1859
“—be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5
