Contentment is a virtue. Having peace and tranquility of mind cannot be bought. They are free gifts of
God when we stay in His Perfect Will. Staying in the will of God brings peace, love, joy, happiness,
and contentment all of which we need.
When my husband and I were married we purchased our first home. During this time, great advice was given to us by our parents. They told us to learn to live within our means. You see we both were college graduates that chose to pursue careers in helping fields. Our life has been one of service within our surrounding communities. Glory be to God! Helping fields do not always yield monetary riches, but it gives you satisfaction for being allowed to help others which is our Christian duty. One thing I have learned, working for Christ your needs and wants are supplied. This reminds me of the passage from the Bible that says, “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” Psalm 37:25 KJV My mother specifically told us not to look around at our friends and family who may financially be able to travel here and there, purchase this or that, but to be thankful and content for the home in which God had placed us and what He had given. She told us to pack a lunch on sunny days and enjoy sitting on our beautiful deck beholding God’s blessings,
faithfulness, and the beautiful scenery within our yard and surroundings. She also encouraged us to always remember how God blessed us to meet our monthly mortgage through the jobs in which He provided. This is a principle that I have tried to live by. It gave me the peace of mind not to pressure myself in trying to keep up with what others have and what others were doing by going into unnecessary
debt. In other words, my husband and I were able to relieve ourselves from fretting by comparing our lives to others and the various accomplishments we saw around us. God had already given us more than enough. He is more than enough.
Everyone’s calling may be different. Everyone’s financial means are not the same, and that is fine. We should rejoice in the blessings of others and be grateful for what we are given. That is being like Christ. Every individual has their own path to follow. Every road may not look the same. However, the goal is to follow the path that leads to Christ. So, instead of focusing on the blessings of others, focus and be grateful for what God has done for you. This is having an attitude of gratitude which leads on the path to satisfaction and contentment. We must become intentional in counting our own blessings and learn to be content with what God has given us. This brings peace of mind.
Now, am I saying it is wrong to want nice things and to travel to wonderful places? No, I am not. However, when the things of this earth become all-consuming then it is spiritually, mentally, and physically unhealthy. There is no joy or peace in that. It will cause unnecessary burdens. Everyday situations can burden you enough. Find your peace and contentment in the Will of God. Jesus said, “But lay up for
yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:20-21 KJV
Let’s stay in The Perfect Will of Christ, my friend. Praise God for how He blesses you. Be thankful for your individual blessings and be equally happy for the blessings others receive. Stay in God’s perfect will. In His Will, you will find peace, love, joy, happiness, and contentment.
As in the words of this old familiar hymn: “Count your blessings name them one by one. Count your many blessings see what God has done.”
Sister Cookie
Highest Praise Radio 6-9 PM weekends
