Day 26: The Destructive Power of a Restless Spirit - 31 Days: Marriage Devotionals

Scripture Focus: I have learned to be satisfied with what I have…I have learned this secret, so that anywhere, at any time, I am content. Philippians 4:11

We helped Rachel (not her real name) and her family move into a larger home in a better neighborhood. Rachel’s husband, Mark, had just received a large promotion at work; the family was moving from an expensive house to a more expensive one.

As the family moved, Rachel was putting most of their existing furniture out by the curb for trash pick-up. These cast-off items were nicer, and in better condition, than almost anything we had in our own home! Yet for Rachel, it was time to discard the old and purchase the new. Mark’s raise gave Rachel more money to spend; it was clear that she planned to spend it.

We had not quite recovered from our amazement at this when the family moved yet again, less than two years later. Now, they moved from a very large home into an even larger one, safely protected behind the guarded gates of an exclusive development. We drove home from helping them move and suddenly, our thrift-store furniture looked worn and shabby. We were in danger of falling into the same trap that had snared Rachel.

It was only about eight months from that move before the couple announced they were divorcing. Their frequent arguments about money and spending had finally driven them permanently apart. As we thought back over the years we had known Rachel and Mark, we realized that we had never heard Rachel count her blessings, or express thanks to God for the bountiful financial benefits her family enjoyed. Instead, we had often heard Rachel complain that other families were better off than hers, and that other husbands were more generous in giving their wives control over the family finances. Rachel, despite her many evident financial blessings, had never learned how to be content.

For your personal reflection:

• Have you ever known someone like Rachel, someone who seemed greatly blessed, yet never had enough to be satisfied?
• Are you surprised to learn that Rachel and Mark finally divorced --- because of money issues? Rachel had much more than many, yet she allowed a restless spirit to destroy her life --- and her marriage.

Prayer: Lord, I would love to have “problems” like Rachel had! I often wish our family had more money or nicer things. Please help me to avoid the danger of a restless spirit; please help me to learn how to be content at all times. Help me count my blessings!