what makes you happy?
July 26th, 2010 | Posted by Leah Case
I want the iPhone4. Yes, the new and improved version, with an infinite selection of apps and a built-in coolness quotient no blackberry can rival. But here’s the main reason I want one. When the girlfriends get together and pics of the grandkids are brought out, the iPhone is worth its weight in gold! My little “brag” book might be retro-chic, but I crave the portable delight of seeing, hearing, and sharing my grandsons at the push of a button. So for now, the iPhone is high on my wish list. What’s on yours?
When it comes to material things, our “wants” and “needs” change all the time and it’s a wise woman who learns to make the most of what she has. After all, the satisfaction that comes from stuff has a pretty short shelf life. But there’s no expiration date on the deepest yearnings of our heart, and that’s where contentment is stored. Which begs the question: How is it possible to live with longing, to feel need and go without, and still be content? Well, it’s a secret. If that’s not the answer you were hoping for, please keep reading.
Writing to the Philippians (from prison) Paul said, “I have learned how to be content …. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation….” That’s quite a statement when you think about it, and two things catch my attention.
First, Paul said, “I have learned how to be content…” It didn’t come naturally and it was more than a feeling that comes and goes. Through all the ups and downs of life Paul came to realize that God would always take care of him. He could look on past experience and confidently say, “My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
Second, Paul didn’t say he was content with his circumstances—he was content in his circumstances. Remember, he was in prison. Humanly speaking, nothing seemed to be going his way. Life was interrupted by events beyond his control, the future was unclear, and he was taking it one day at a time. And yet, Paul was content. He made the most of his limited situation and kept growing. His outlook was, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Recently I came across the words of an old saint that says it well. Be content with what you have and are; be generous with both; and you won’t have to hunt for happiness.
What makes you happy? Are you content to be where God has you today? It will only be for a season and then life will change. Being content with where you are allows you to be patient with where God is taking you. Meantime, you have His promise to satisfy your soul with more than you can ever contain.
Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:3-4
