When we lived in France, my family (minus Jim) used to enjoy watching the French version of American Idol. The big treat was the guests they would have on the show each week. One week Sting, my son's all time favorite artist, was on the show.

I don't remember what he sang, but I do remember something he said (and that Jim actually watched the show with us that night). Sting was asked to give a word of advice to the contestants, who were just starting out and hoping to make it in the music industry. His advice was, "Never forget that music is its own reward."

Those words stuck with me, and I realized that I need to remember the same about my relationship with Christ. HE is my reward. Sting was saying: enjoy music, not what other rewards music will bring to you, like fame, money, etc.

So many times we live in a place of discontentment because we expect greater rewards. We look to Christ for what He can do for us. We live in a place of expecting more. We forget the amazing gift of His presence...the gift of Himself. We can even forfeit the benefit of such a reward by not enjoying His presence and fellowship.

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:26

I cry to you, O LORD; I say, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living."
Psalm 142:5

Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.
Psalm 16:5

One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
Psalm 27:4

Never forget that Jesus IS our reward!

-Angela