Godly contentment has been one of the sweetest, hardest lessons the Lord has taught me – from our years living on a Haiti mountain, to the unplanned season back in the States.
In Haiti, rice and beans are a fundamental part of the daily diet, as they are for the majority world. Our snug little house hugs the side of a beautiful mountain, and the 12 mile trail leading to our home is a bone-rattling and often adventurous two hour drive. Blessed with the essential skills for our remote location, we also became experienced with every penny-pinching, make-do-with-less trick in the book! While expecting our third child, circumstances brought us back to the States, where our time in Tennessee unfolded as a season marked by uncertainty, yet also a period of deep growth. This unplanned reboot for our family found us with our trusty ol’ minivan, the half used plane tickets on the credit card, and the friends and family God gave us.
When I reflect back over these years, I see now that the Lord steadfastly provided for our needs. Regrettably though at times I expected more, and that frustration often overshadowed my joy. Over time, God gently revealed to my heart the misconceptions that I was carrying and showed me the countless ways that He cares for our family. I am deeply thankful to the Lord for healing and reshaping my perspective as I learn to navigate this path of contentment and gratitude amidst life’s ever-changing landscapes.
Charles Spurgeon said, ‘It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.’ Truly we are recipients of more physical and spiritual blessings than we can ever fully fathom, and it is my privilege to bear testimony to my Father’s unwavering goodness and provision.
Discouragement and complaints often arise when we feel we’re entitled to more, or even to maintaining what we currently possess.
At times we assume that God should fulfill our ‘wants,’ and our spirits sink into despondency or even resentment when those wishes remain unfulfilled.
It is an excellent practice to prayerfully and Biblically discern between our necessities and material desires. As we intentionally reflect on the depths of the Lord’s care and His steadfast provision for our genuine needs, a shift in our perspective occurs, highlighting the abundance of the graces and blessings that are truly ours. Through this, we discover genuine contentment, and gratitude within us flourishes.
Gratitude, in this context, is not merely a singular response; rather, it transforms into a heart posture that celebrates the continual outpouring of sustenance from the faithful character of God.
His goodness in both the past and present gives us confidence as we look ahead, assuring us that our loving Heavenly Father will continue to fulfill His promises to provide for our every need.
G.K. Chesterton said, “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.”
Therefore do not be anxious, saying, What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matt. 6:31-33
