Contentment

What is the secret of it and how can we attain it. We see today that fame and fortune do not ensure it. Not a great looking spouse or the American dream.

"Godliness with contentment is GREAT gain," the Bible teaches us. We know it's true when we live there-you know, those times when your heart is at rest in God's will, trusting, believing, hoping and ENJOY-
ING His peace and His blessings. But how terribly easy it is to long for the not- given blessings. 'More, more, more,' our hearts cry! How sad that we go there by default more often than not since the fall in Eden. Then the joy we could be enjoying is stolen away.

I pray we'd all stop and learn that this world cannot give us the contentment we long for; it only comes from above. And may the grace of God bestow true contentment so that we can live lives that honor the great Giver and enjoy His many blessings in a way that brings Him the glory He desires and deserves.

He alone can truly satisfy our insatiable hearts. Let it be!!

Be Still and Know

“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46

How hard this command is! It’s easier for me to ‘be busy and know that I can accomplish much”.

It’s easier to “be still and know what the latest news or updates are”.

But here it is, the call of God, crystal clear for me to see: “Be still and know that I am God.”

Could it be that there are riches untold for me in this place of stillness; depths of joy and peace and love that I can find no place else?

Treasures stored up for me as I am still and experience the God of the universe’s presence enfolding me and filling me with power and praise to Him?

Maybe this is the reason it is so hard to subdue my flesh and come before Him and truly wait upon Him. The enemy of my soul knows the victory and life this would give me. My own flesh would rather have a field day in the world, even pursuing good things, instead of pursuing the best thing. I can feel important doing something-anything for God (or is it for my glory?). I can run from one good work to another, fulfilling my sense of worth. I can neglect this command so easily and often that it becomes a habit, a mode of life. I still have my quiet time, of course: time in the Word and a few prayers, but not really slow down and be still. And then I wonder where the power for life and godliness went to; where the joy and peace and love have gone.

Hear more of the Psalm:

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gives way, through the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God.

God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;

God will help her when morning dawns.

The nations rage, the kingdoms totter, he utters his voice, the earth melts.

The Lord of hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Be still and know that I am God.

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth!

The Lord of hosts is with us;

The God of Jacob is our fortress.”

Wow, with little old me? With you too? The only true God – the God of eternity is with us! He wants to reveal Himself in the secret, quiet place. May we learn to be still and know that He is God!!