Seek Contentment
Do you ever find yourself saying I'll be happy when...?
If I could just find a husband, then I'd be happy. If only I weren't married to this man, then...
I would be so happy if I could have children. These kids are making me nuts...I'll be so happy when
they're out of the house!
If only I had a job. Ugh! I can't stand getting up everyday and going to work!
Its been so hot this summer...I'll be happy once it cools down. It freezing! Will winter never end??
And on and on and on. We do this with the big things in life as well as the small.
We live in a completely imperfect world. Its such a rare day, if ever, when all outside circumstances line up just to our liking.
When you look around you and see happy people who are enjoying life, its not because life is perfect for them or that, finally, everything has lined up just the way they've always hoped. Its because they have gotten up everyday and made a choice.
See that verse that stays at the top of my page?
This is the day that the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it.
I love that verse. Its very basic and clear.
Every day that I wake up breathing (yay!) is yet another day that, for one reason or another, God has chosen to give me. "I will" implies I have a choice. And sometimes when I'm staring down at my day that's a really hard choice.
But...I hate my job! But...I don't have a job!
I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. Philippians 4:11-12
I have learned.
The secret of living....learning how to be grateful and happy and at peace whether our hands are empty or full. Contentment.
Oh Lisa - another great one. Have you ever thought in your "spare" time writing a devotional book?
ReplyDeleteI have to share this hymn with you.
We call it our family hymn. The title "I am Content! My Jesus Lives Again" It is a Easter hymn but Joel will sing this to Phil and I if we are not content. Then when we sing it in church he smiles at both of us from the altar.
I will ust type one vs.
I am content! My Jesus lives again, In whom my heart is pleased.
He has fulfilled the law of God for me. God's wrath he has appeased. Since he in death could perish never. I also shall not die forever. I am content! I am content!
Enjoy your conference.
I've enjoyed your posts on living in peace. The one for day 26 is right along the lines of a book I am currently reading, "Choosing Gratitude" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss.
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