Contentment

I think too often in this world we base the status of our contentment on our status in life—house/apartment, rich/poor, one car/two cars, where we live/where we wish we lived, and the list goes on…

But here’s the thing—God knows what we each need and when we need it. And He will give it at the right time and not before then.  The Christian life is one of continuous sanctification; God is always teaching us lessons whether we like it or not. The biggest lesson for me and my family so far has been contentment and trusting God. We have been through many things that tried our faith, relationship, and our worldview. We have had plenty, and we have had less. But through it all I feel God has taught us a very big lesson—Contentment! And we are still learning it; it is something that we must work on daily. To be happy in God and as a family is the most important thing. Things come and things vanish; but if we enjoy the little things each day, God gives us the peace and joy to move forward and grow as Christians each day.

Let me be clear; contentment does not mean just sit back and take whatever life throws at you. Goals, ambitions, and plans are good and necessary!!! But remember to not complain along the way; for there will be a way. We can be happy on that way or we can be impatient and miserable because we haven’t reached the destination yet. Now which sounds more fun to you?

I remember first hearing this hymn in church when I was 7 or 8 years old and have loved it ever since: 

1. When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
   When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
   Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
   And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
   • Refrain:
     Count your blessings, name them one by one,
     Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
     Count your blessings, name them one by one,
     *Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
     [*And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.]
2. Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
   Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
   Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
   And you will keep singing as the days go by.
3. When you look at others with their lands and gold,
   Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
   Count your many blessings—*money cannot buy [*wealth can never buy]
   Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
4. So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
   Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
   Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
   Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

by Johnson Oatman, Jr, pub. 1897