Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Rules of Contentment

I was flipping through Lists To Live By: The Second Collection and this list caught my eye.

Even though I've read it before, it especially hit home today. Ouch!

Rules Of Contentment

Allow ourselves to complain of nothing, not even the weather.


Never picture ourselves in any circumstances in which we are not.

Never compare our lot with that of another.


Never allow ourselves to wish that this or that had been otherwise. 


Never dwell on the tomorrow; remember, that is God's and not ours.

~E.B. Pusey, English Theologian


While I am generally optimistic and happy where I am, I'm still guilty of complaining, comparing and generally being a whiny-pants. Especially lately. Not good!

Paul says in Philippians 4: 11-12:

"... I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. "

I long to truly learn the secret of contentment and have an inner joy and satisfaction no matter where God has me in life. I pray that He will help me to not just "be positive" but to truly bloom where I am planted.

I know I can do this because the next verse, Philippians 4: 13 says:

"I can do everything through him who gives me strength!"

Woohoo!

4 comments:

Denise said...

Some wonderful food for thought. I too am guilty of whining and need to learn to bloom where I am planted!

DarcyLee said...

Ouch! is right. I find that Bible verse even more convicting because Paul (under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, of course) wrote those words while sitting in a prison. I've never heard of that book but it sounds like a very good one to have.

Bevy @ Treasured Up and Pondered said...

I'll be praying for you today.

love ya.

Cara said...

I love this. I'm going to print out the 'rules' and keep them on my fridge.