The Gift of an Unshaken Heart
By Elizabeth Prata
SYNOPSIS
I reflect on entering a short rest period with deep gratitude for God’s spiritual and earthly blessings. Anchored in Christ’s unshakable kingdom, I emphasize learning contentment through all circumstances, inspired by Paul, and encourage believers to remain steadfast, faithful and definitely grateful amid any challenges.
When I come home from school today I enter a period of 9 days’ rest. Two weekends bracket the work week when there is no school. I am grateful. I need time time off.
Where I stand as this year enters its twilight: I stand on the Cornerstone of all creation, because the mercy of Jesus has saved me. Gratitude fills my heart and my life with the blessings He has delivered to me, first fruit of which is that precious salvation. He Who is the fount from which all beneficence flows, in His mercy accepted my piteous cries for forgiveness and smiled upon my soul, bringing light and peace.
He continued to bless me by installing the Holy Spirit within me to rely upon as my guide and teacher. He allows me to grow in His light and remain upon His paths by sending me wisdom as I read His Holy Word. There are many more spiritual fulfillments He delivers, so many to mention!
He also gives me earthly fulfillments- I am not hungry, I am in a warm home, I am clothed, and I am employed. I have friends, a church, and so much more.
I learn from Paul who said to the Philippians, “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:11-13)
Contentment no matter the circumstance is truly a gift. Do you have a grateful heart as we see the final days of 2025 approaching? When the Lord is shaking heaven and earth, we see what remains. “At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, ‘Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.'” The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken will remain.
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:26-19).
In the meanwhile, here on earth, He is shaking loose governments, mountains, economies, hearts…so what remains unshaken? Believers! The Kingdom is within us and we must not be shaken as our troubles continue to deepen. Gratitude and contentment in the midst of terrible circumstances is key to remaining unshaken. Paul was unshaken, content in all that occurred. He learned it, as must I learn contentment. It’s a process, but gratitude fills my heart wven with knowing that I CAN learn contentment and its twin, gratitude.
Friend, you are of the Kingdom – the Kingdom that will not be shaken! My prayer for you is that your heart is filled with gratitude for all things, no matter the circumstance. “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” (Colossians 3:16)
