{"id":34484,"date":"2022-11-01T03:30:31","date_gmt":"2022-11-01T10:30:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lccredding.org\/church\/?p=34484"},"modified":"2022-10-28T11:56:15","modified_gmt":"2022-10-28T18:56:15","slug":"november-1-2022","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lccredding.org\/church\/2022\/11\/01\/november-1-2022\/","title":{"rendered":"November 1, 2022"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Then I Will Be Happy<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\u00a0\u201cI 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<\/strong> in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.\u201d<\/em> Philippians 4:12<\/p>\n

I began to think about how much of my time and energy I am wasting, thinking if only I had this, then I will be happy.<\/p>\n

If only I had a new rug, my home would be better and I could invite people over to visit. If only my husband would not get angry or impatient with me, then our marriage would be happier and we would communicate better. If only I could lose that last ten pounds, then I would be happy and I could do more things and be more confident. If only I had more time, then I could serve at church. If only I didn\u2019t have so many responsibilities each day, then I could spend time with my friends. If only I wasn\u2019t so busy taking care of my home, then I could give more attention to my kids\u2014isn\u2019t quality time better than quantity? If only I didn\u2019t have so much to do, then I would spend more time with my Lord.<\/p>\n

The dictionary defines contentment<\/strong> as the state of being happy and satisfied\u2014the state of being content<\/em>. In Philippians, Paul writes about learning the secret of being content in any and every situation. Verse 13 in chapter 4 is the secret Paul shares: \u201cI can do everything through Him who gives me strength.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

I was reminded also about the quote from Abraham Lincoln: “People are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” Am I choosing to be happy and content now, or waiting until \u201csomeday\u201d? Sometimes the truth for me is not easy to accept. I fail most days when I am looking to the exterior things in life. God looks at our hearts (1 Samuel 16:7).<\/p>\n

Life changes\u2014seasons come and go in our lives. There will times of pain and times of joy. I don\u2019t want to miss the blessings I have been given today by waiting for something different or better. There will always be something we long for and we will always be in need of something while living in this world. Things break and wear out. But for today, let\u2019s choose to be happy with what pleases God. Let\u2019s be content with who we are in Christ and enjoy our lives, our busy lives, our beautiful bodies created in God\u2019s own image, our husbands, children, families, friends, churches, communities and our homes.<\/p>\n

Lord, with You we lack nothing. Help me, Lord, to not wait to be content and happy but to live my life today with rejoicing and singing Your praises!<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

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