I found myself smiling inward and outwardly before falling asleep one night. I began to ponder if I had gotten some good news during the day. I could not think of anything except that I was reaffirming that God is in charge of everything and He will work everything out. I have an ongoing situation at work.
I awoke the next morning with the same smile, feeling very content. It is happening right now as I write this. This broad smile from within and reaching without. I will share something very personal here because God must be glorified always. As believers we must share our testimonies to encourage others. If it was not for Spiritual growth I would be very embarrassed to share something like this. I have two accounts one with just over $9 and the other -$2.99 that night, so what am I so joyful about? I didn't buy a new car or house, not with those figures. There are no checks in my mailbox, though it has been covered in ice and inaccessible because of the snow storm. So what am I smiling about? It was not always so with me. I was once a worrier. So much so that my chest would hurt. I have not had that feeling or pain for a few years now because the Lord stopped me right in the middle of one of those episodes. He let me know I was not alone. I did not hear a voice as some believers have been known to say but it just came flooding into my spirit "you are not alone, you are not alone." That was the end of that! When we give God our worry we gain contentment.
The word of God tells us that He owns the cattle on a thousand hills in Psalms 50:10. I want to remind us that not only does he own the cattle but He also owns the hills. Knowing this, why do we worry as children of God? God's mercies extend far beyond our bank accounts, so our joy should not be dependent on how much money we do or do not have. When we get to a place where regardless of worldly things, we are confident in whose we are, then we will be still because God's promises regarding us are true. We can bank on that!
His word also tells us to be content with what we have. We cannot allow the enemy to cause us to be overwhelmed with acquiring earthly possessions. Surely we need a roof over our heads and clothing to wear and for some, having a vehicle is a necessity. We also need to be able to pay our bills. However, when we get caught up in a must have mindset we have lost our way. I must have the latest car, I must have the latest phone. Some of us also have a shopping problem. Buying something because it is perfectly suited for us and not necessarily because we need it. (That last sentence is a note to myself.) Jesus Himself in Matthew 6:33 tells us to seek Him first and His righteousness and the things we need will be given to us. Let us take Him at His word.
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.
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