Perfect Contentment-That Lasts all Week

Wow, can humans really reach a point where they want nothing more than they have—for a whole week? A point where they do not even have a wish list? What kind of drug would that take?

Let me tell you about a recent experience of mine in which I was perfectly, and supremely, content for an extended length of time. The incident I have in mind happened three weeks ago, in April 2021. (It had happened various times before, although this time was more significant.)

It began with a specific episode, one Friday evening when I decided it was time to get everything clear between God and me. I started by praying, “Search me, oh God, and know my ways. Try me and know my thoughts. See if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in paths of righteousness.”

That high level of divine serenity enveloped me, and I felt certain no human on earth could feel more perfectly at peace. I sensed I was totally satisfied. The only concern on my mind was how little other people experience this divine peace.

About half an hour later, I decided it is time to see if I can specifically “get close to God” again.

(I’ll describe the resulting incident the way I imagined/felt it.)

Imagining God was right in front of me, I looked up at Him and asked, “May I sit on your lap?” (Those words still strike me because I never so much as thought them before.)

God responded by scooping me up in His arms and giving me the most passionate hug. And I returned the embrace as I laid my head on His shoulder. The tranquility I felt is truly inexpressible; it might best be portrayed, in human words, as “perfect contentment.”

I presently asked Him another question, “Is there anything I can do to be more like You?”

At that moment, the serenity I felt found yet a higher level—beyond what I had ever imagined was possible. (I’m thinking it must be getting close to how folks feel in Heaven.) And then it registered to me that God’s answer to my question was, “You are already there.”

Do you catch the strength of that thought? Was God not, in essence, telling me that I am perfect even as He is perfect, as Matthew’s gospel suggests Christians should be? (“You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:48)

I am still trying to get over that thought. Or do I misinterpret it?

I have tried to maintain that close connection with God continually since then. I mostly can—minus those moments when I again get caught up about myself, for no good reason, and my mind goes to places where God’s “leash” doesn’t reach. Thankfully, when this happens, I shortly “catch myself.” (That is, I detect the absence of God’s will in where I am going, and I quickly run back “into His arms” and seek forgiveness.) Oh, that I would never step away from the truth again.

I assure you, friend, living in God’s will is the only way to find true repose. There is no amount of surrender or personal inconvenience that would not be worth doing for this experience. And episodes of this nature will not happen to someone who is not wholly resigned to God’s will for them.

I wish you well as you journey toward a satisfied mind and pursue to leave earthly pleasures ever behind. (When you get this accomplished, you will certainly find it was worth every battle on that long upward grind.)

I hope to meet you on the other side—with the victories won and the tears all dried.

 Oh, how happy are they
 Who their Savior obey,
 And have laid up their treasures above!
 Oh, what tongue can express
 The sweet comfort and peace
 Of a soul in its earliest love.
                                —Unknown 

(This blog post is derived from the 16th chapter of my book The Great Dilemma (Formerly know as The Box Top to Life’s Puzzle.)

Here are some other articles in which I share my personal experiences with God: