CONTENTMENT EQUALS HAPPINESS

Freelance writer   Lupie Riley

Thought: Two small hand written notes that recently surfaced were sold at auction for $1.5 million. Originally they were given to a bellboy as an expression of appreciation.   The author was non other then Albert Einstein. One of the quotations went like this: “a calm and modest life brings more happiness than the pursuit of success combined with constant restlessness.” What he was saying more or less was all the business in our lives robes us of the contentment we can have if life were more simple.

Einstein could have borrowed this phrase right out of Prov. 15:16. “Better a little with fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.”

How can we experience the kind of contentment that Einstein spoke about? The key is right out of the Word of God.

1. Keep your lives free from the love of money (Heb. 13:5).
2. Be thankful if you have food and clothing (Tim. 6:6-8).
3. Share: Give to the poor and do it in secret (Math. 6:3,4)
4. Savor the simple things in life that are free..a beautiful sunset, the smell of spring flowers, the radiance of the seasons and all of God’s creation (Phill. 4:8-9).
5. Mind your own business.   Don’t get caught up in other people’s gossip and never tire of doing what is right (II Thess. 3:11-13).

Simplify your life.   Don’t add so much to your plate that you have no time for your spiritual walk with the Lord, Creator of all that is good. You will then be able to fill your days with peace and contentment… the fruit of happiness.

Prayer: Father God, help me to sort out the priorities and rid myself of all the excess that really doesn’t count through your eyes. I want to experience your peace in my daily living, giving thanks for all the blessings you send my way. Amen

Verse: (Paul speaking) Phill. 4:11-13 “I am not saying this because I am in need, for 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 can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

Married 58 years, four children, nine grandchildren and three greats.  I've been a freelance writer for over 40 years.  Working on a book at the present.  My priorities are God first, family, country. Look me up on Google search by my name Lupie Riley, click on first link. Faithwriters.com