I have been learning a lot lately. January was a really tough month for me for various reasons. The Lord has really been teaching me a lot about contentment. It is interesting how things can change when you have your own house. I have NEVER been a shopper and truly I am still not much of a shopper at all. However, I will say that now that I have my own house, I am always seeing a project. I see something while I am out and think..."Oh, that would be so cute here or there." I also find myself going to other people's houses and notice things that I would have never noticed before. I am not saying that there is anything wrong with this but it is taking control of my thoughts before they get too far.
God's Word says, "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that." -1 Timothy 6:6-8
In the end, nothing else is going to last. All that will last is people and God's Word.
I have been learning a lot about being content. I don't want to sugarcoat it but I have been pretty discontent with certain areas of my life. I have not been joyful. I recognize my sin and want it to change. I am usually never the person that has always been looking towards the next thing.
"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." -Philippians 4:11-13
Paul said this and all I can say is that I truly don't know what it is to be in need. I have so much to be thankful and joyful about. Nothing in this world is going to satisfy me. Brett is always good about reminding me of that. At the end of the day, all I know is what it is to have plenty. Brett and I both have jobs. We have a home together filled with plenty. We have food on our table and plenty of clothes. We have more than enough. We are incredibly blessed. I could dwell on the other "things" I want or "other places" I want to be or "situations" I want to be in. What good is that to me? I have to CHOOSE to walk with God DAILY. I have to CHOOSE to ask the Lord what He wants me to do today. I cannot look so much to the future. I have to choose joy daily.
This has just been what the Lord has been showing me lately. I know that I am a great sinner and I am so grateful for a loving and forgiving God. I only want to be in the center of His will and be content with all of the MANY things He has blessed me with.
"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'" -Hebrews 13:5
Thank You Lord that You never leave me where I am.