Our devotion today at MOPS was much needed (for me, anyway). It was about contentment.
The devotion speaker, Debbie, started out by giving the dictionary definition of contentment: "happiness with one's situation in life."
She spoke about a children's song that says "are you humbly grateful or grumbly hateful?"
And she really hit home when she asked us, "do you focus on what God has done for you or what you want Him to do?"
Wow.
She pointed out that true contentment has nothing to do with what's going on in our lives, it's a mental thing. Like the Apostle Paul said, "...for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."
I've read and heard those verses many times, but today, they really spoke to me. Just like most people, there are so many things that we want. Everywhere you look are advertisements for newer, better, faster "stuff". We compare what we have with what others have and think, "I want that!"
The threat of Jason's plant closing has actually helped us really put things in perspective. Just a few weeks ago, we were planning all the things that we wanted to do to our house to make it more attractive inside and out. Now, we are feeling grateful that we have a house, in a time where so many are losing homes to foreclosure.
We were planning lots of fun trips for us to go on as a family, but now we are just happy doing things together that don't cost anything! This situation has made us "humbly grateful" for what we have right now.
We are not sure of the circumstances with Jason's job. If his plant closes, it will mean a lot of changes for us. Possibly even another move, further from our families. But we know that God will provide for our needs. He has said that He will "never leave us nor forsake us," so we are claiming that.
He "knows the plans He has for us...." and we are just going to trust Him while He prepares us for those plans!
Debbie closed the devotion today by quoting John MacArthur-"contentment means being able to say, "I have enough, I'm satisfied."
I really want to be able to say that! I have enough. God, all that you've given me is enough!
Oatmeal Protein Balls
2 days ago
2 comments:
I know exactly what you mean. 2 years ago, Jason and I were driving brand new vehicles with close to $800 a month in car payments. Today I drive a 12 year old paid off van with the fabric falling off the ceiling, and I'm just as happy. Jason is driving my parents old impala. They get us where we're going. With three layoffs in 2.5 years we're content with what we have, and that we don't have to stress about where the money is coming from. Things are tight, and we get behind in bills, but God blesses us with understand collectors and people who work with us because we're willing to work with them.
"Happiness is not having what you want, it is wanting what you have."
"No one gets to see the rainbow before the rain."
(you know me and quotes, hope these help. i love you.)
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