If Only (This one really hit home for me!)

Sometimes we fuel our discontent by playing the "if only" game.
"If only we didn't have to move . . ."
"If we lived closer to my parents . . ."
"If we had a bigger house, I wouldn't be so cranky."
"If I were married, I wouldn't look at those magazines."
"If I wasn't married, I'd start to give to the church."

We get deceived into thinking we'd be happier with a different set of circumstances.
"If he was the spiritual leader he was supposed to be, I probably wouldn't be leaving him."

The truth is, if we're not content in our present situation, we probably won't be happy with another set of circumstances. Joy comes when we focus on the love and faithfulness of God. He'll be with us no matter what else is going on. That's why the apostle Paul could say, "I've learned to be content whatever the circumstance."

No matter what you're facing, you can choose the pathway of contentment. Choose to trust God, and find His joy and peace.

By Nancy Leigh DeMoss