I’m a huge fan of HGTV. I really enjoy watching ‘House Hunters’ and seeing the inside of different homes as people check them out. The format is that the buyers take their top three choices of homes and then decide which one they want to buy.

While I find these shows entertaining and even enjoy trying to guess which home they will choose, at times I’m surprised at the expectations of these home buyers. There are always pros and cons to each home, of course, and they have a ‘wish list’ of what they are looking for, but inevitably there are tons of things they want to change or ‘upgrade’.

I shouldn’t be surprised. I know I have responded the same way – wanting the best, wishing I had more, longing for things I don’t have…

Paul tells us that contentment is a learned response (Phil. 4:11) despite our circumstances – whatever our circumstances (v.12).

To recognize God’s goodness every moment of our lives with an ‘attitude of gratitude’ takes an act of our will.

Check out the Psalms – I did a simple study and circled all the ‘I will’ statements. It is amazing how many times the psalmists set their hearts and minds and will to praise, worship, sing, sacrifice and wait on the Lord.

I will remember the works of the LORD;
Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.
I will also meditate on all Your work,
And talk of Your deeds. (Ps 77:11-12)

I will praise You with my whole heart;
Before the gods I will sing praises to You.
I will worship toward Your holy temple,
And praise Your name For Your lovingkindness and Your truth (Ps 138:1-2)

I will meditate on Your precepts,
And contemplate Your ways.
I will delight myself in Your statutes;
I will not forget Your word. (Ps. 119:15-16)

Make me content in You, Lord, and let all else fall away as insignificant. You are all I need – may You be all I want.

All for Him,

Missy