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Operation... Contentment


This morning I was praying about Contentment (once again) ... I know this is something that I struggle with as most people in the modern world do.  I have tried to read many books on how to stay content or no long for things that I don't really need. 

 It's like watching HGTV and seeing all the beautiful homes and remodeling and decorating that is done in just a simple 45 minutes.  How does Chip and Joanna make it look that easy.  They have a beautiful life and sometimes I get caught up in the: I wish I had that...  OK maybe it's more often than I would like to admit.  

 But God doesn't have that life/plan for me and even if I have the same gifts of decorating or remodeling, right now he has me right were I am suppose to be. 

 Most of the time, I can snap out of those "I WISH..." moments other times I struggle.   I know it's usually a heart issue rather than a 'thing' issue.  

 I thought I had contentment all figured out until I was in prayer this morning.  Scripture is clear that we are to not chase after worldly things and that godliness with contentment is a great gain. 

 God wants us to be satisfied with the THINGS we have. We shouldn't long for money, or sex, or food, or power, or stuff, or title, or prestige... but we should long for Love, for Peace, For faith...  

 Most days I am content with were I am in my walk of faith.   I am not bitter, I am not angry, but I am also not really growing.  God is constantly wanting us to change in ways we sometimes can't fathom.  Because honestly we've taken notes that say "I am content in this one place of my life... my faith." Sometimes I think he wants us to be more disciplined but also innovative.  

 Sometimes I need to purge thoughts of going on a fancy vacation because I know God wants me to support international missions.  

 Sometimes I need to purge the thought of having a bigger and better house because God allowed me to be part of Habitat for Humanity and I so value it's principles.  

 Sometimes I need to get out of my bed and go walk with Lord rather than sleep a little longer in my warm cozy bed. 

 Sometimes I need to put down Minecraft or shut off Netflix and pick up my bible or read a devotional with my kids.  

 It's hard to be disciplined ... each day I am learning a little more about what Life is all about.   

I will still struggle with the "gimmes" and I need to constantly be reminded that the things of this world come and go.  But I can no longer be content with the kind of person I am most days.  Unloving and Unlovable and too comfortable to change the things I really would like to change... my heart.   


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