Contentment
“True godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.” 1Tim.6:6
The Prayer of an Unknown Confederate Soldier
I asked God for strength that I might achieve.
I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy.
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am, among all men, most richly blessed.
“…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Phil.4:11
God said NO
I asked God to take away my pride,
And God said "NO"
He said it was not for him to take away
But for me to give up.
I asked God to make my
handicapped child whole,
And God said "NO"
He said her spirit is whole
Her body is only temporary.
I asked God to grant me patience,
And God said "NO".
He said that patience is a byproduct
of tribulation,
It isn’t granted, it is earned.
I asked God to give me happiness,
And God said "No"
He said He gives blessings,
Happiness is up to me.
I asked God to spare me pain,
And God said "NO"
He said, "Suffering draws you apart
from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.
I asked God to make my spirit grow
And God said "No"
He said I must grow on my own,
But he will prune me to make me fruitful.
I asked God to help me love others
As much as He loves me,
And God said, "Ah, finally you
have the idea."
“So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Mt.6:34
Contentment is the key!
I really like following the daily devotions on the UCB Ministries’ website. They are always so encouraging, uplifting and inspirational. And the truth is, I really need all of those this week!!! 
So, today’s devo was about contentment, which is a huuuuge work zone in my life.
I know many of us, (esp. women I think) struggle with that. So I thought I would share Bob Gass’ wisdom with you today:
“Contentment is the key to a happy marriage.
When asked what makes us contented in marriage, we inevitably point to things our partner does, or their characteristics, that please us.
When asked what makes us discontented, we indicate what they do, or are, that displeases us. We focus on what’s right or wrong about them, making ourselves happy or unhappy.
But contentment is an inside job! It’s how we react to others. Our attitude is the real issue. The problem’s not what we see or hear, it’s how we see or hear it: ‘…The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear… with hearing’ (Ecclesiastes 1:8 NAS). The eye and ear – our perceptions – are the culprits. That’s why God says, ‘…be content with such things as ye have…’ (Hebrews 13:5 KJV). We must choose to see things differently, in ways that don’t make us unhappy. The controls are in our hands, not our partner’s!
Contentment is a choice. ‘…I have learned… to be content’ (Philippians 4:11 KJV). We learn contentment by considering how much harder others have it, asking God how He wants us to use our challenges and lacks for our growth and our partner’s growth, and – remembering Erma Bombeck’s advice – ‘The grass usually looks greener over someone else’s septic system’.
Benjamin Franklin said of marriage, ‘Keep your eyes wide open beforehand, and half shut afterwards’. Finally, we can learn contentment by praying for the courage to change what we can (especially our own attitude), the grace to accept what we cannot (most things are acceptable when we stop resenting them), and the wisdom to know the difference.”
I say, big AMEN to that!!!
Yes. I choose to be content today….and it feels good
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