But He gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6
“As it is with a vessel that is full of liquor, if you strike it, it will make no great noise, but if it is empty then it makes a great noise; so it is with the heart, a heart that is full of grace and goodness within will bear a great many strokes, and never make any noise, but if an empty heart is struck it will make a noise.
When some men and women are complaining so much, and always whining, it is a sign that there is an emptiness in their hearts. If their hearts were filled with grace they would not make such a noise… So a gracious heart, having the Spirit of God within him, and his heart filled with grace has that within him that makes him find contentment.”
Jeremiah Burroughs (1600-1646) in The Rare Jewel Of Christian Contentment (Preach the Word) 45.
Don’t miss the illustration about the liquor bottle.
If our hearts are full, we can minister to others. When we have an abundance of grace and goodness, we can lavish it on those around us. And we don’t complain because we have everything we need in Christ.
Are you an empty liquor bottle or a full one?
If you are an empty one, notice God’s posture toward you. He opposes the proud. He will not fill the ones who think they can navigate life on their own. Wealthy people tend to struggle with pride.
What should you do? Ask God for more grace and grow in generosity.
Admit to God that contentment is a hard thing to grasp. Ask Him to pour grace on you in abundance and fill your heart with His goodness, the biblical synonym for generosity.
And while these are my words, I think Burroughs might conclude saying this.
“Empty liquor bottles get tossed in the rubbish bin. Keep your bottle full. In Christ you find contentment. You’ll have all you need to enjoy and share!”