Contentment

Why do I get bogged down so much with the status quo? After going to another huge house last night for a Christmas party I left feeling unsure as to why God blesses some people with so much and other's with just enough and some with not much at all. Of course I would love the house that is full of granite, hardwood floors, tall ceilings, crown moulding, and cabinet space one could only dream of. But then I was talking with Bill on the way home about how I felt and I was reminded that those people are just in the same situation we are in they just have more money. They all struggle with contentment, they all strive for the higher calling and yet still fail every day, they all want something more. I got up this morning to read this passage from Proverbs 16:18-20 which reads "Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. Better to live humbly with the poor tan to share plunder with the proud. Those who listen to instruction will proser, those who trust the Lord will be joyful." I was once again reminded that I need to just trust the Lord because that is where my true joy comes from. I need to fix my eyes on Him and not on the beautiful, lavish things of this world. I have a beautiful home, a healthy family, 2 cars that we OWN, a job that is flexible, I get to stay home with my children and not even worry about our finances. We are blessed beyond measure. When I get looking around at everything people have and start paralleling our lives I get so bogged down and unsatisfied with my life. Never once do I feel discontent when my focus is right, when my gaze is fixed on Him.

Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word. Ps 119:37

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith because of the joys awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people;s then you won't become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin. Hebrews 12:1-4