Day 78: State of Contentment

I am very, very blessed, and that is indeed a gross understatement. But I'm human, and unfortunately, sometimes I take the people and/or things in my life for granted. I should constantly remind myself of what is good in life--of all the blessings God has given to me. Knowing that will help me to realize that there is more good in my life than bad, and that God is always with me. In doing so, I'd be much more likely to be content than if I took God's precious gifts for granted.

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
~Philippians 4:11-13 (KJV)

Everyone goes through tough times, and yes, sometimes it is difficult to look past what is going "badly" to focus on what is remaining/going "well" (I use these terms loosely because it's impossible for us to see if something is going one way or the other until after it happens, if at all). But oft times the most difficult road to take is also the right one to take. Regardless of whether times are great or not so great, all of us need to remember to trust God and be content with where we are. Sometimes we experience times of success and abundance (etc.), which teach us to praise God and help those less fortunate. Other times we experience hardship and loss (etc.), which teach us to appreciate what we have and not take it for granted, as well as to rely on God and not on ourselves. I've said it several times and I'm going to continue to say it no matter what: God wants us to rely on Him and trust Him. Again, it may not be the easiest thing to do, but I am positive that it's the best thing that anyone, anywhere, anytime could do. But this is why we must have both high and low times in our lives, so that we can be well-rounded and well-versed in the morals/traits that God wishes to see flourish in each and every one of our lives. And no matter what, God is with us, and He will never put us through anything that He knows we can't handle. And even when times are tough--especially when times are tough--God will give us the strength to make it through. God will not let His children fall.

Lord, thank You for this day. I pray that there are many, many, MANY more to come more me and all of Your children. Lord, I ask that You please watch over my family, friends, and pets; please keep them safe, strong, happy, and healthy. Please watch over those who defend Your name and this country, and protect Your children; please bless them with strength and bring them home safe. Please also watch over their families and friends and comfort them in times of separation and/or loss. Please watch over those who need Your perfect guidance most of all--those who are misjudged, mistreated, misunderstood, disabled, sick, lonely, impoverished, addicted, sad, confused, etc. Please bless them and guide them to where they are all supposed to be. I pray that we keep these people forever in our thoughts so that we can help them when we can. I also ask that, if it is in Your will, please work through me to reach out to others so that everyone may experience Your wondrous love. Please cleanse me of my sins and keep me safe, strong, happy, and healthy, and I ask that You please continue to guide me down Your perfect path. Whatever You have planned for me, Lord, I will greatly and graciously do! I love You, Lord, with all of my heart and soul, and I always will no matter what! You are my Lord and Savior, and I will follow You and only You forever! In Jesus' name, Amen.


Love and God Bless,
M.C.