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People who are content rain or shine, in good times and bad, get that way choice by choice, day by day.
“Begin with thanking Him for some little thing, and then go on, day by day, adding to your subjects of [thanksgiving]; thus . . . will your subjects of murmuring and complaining diminish, until you see in everything some cause for thanksgiving.” Priscilla Maurice
“I have learned to be content whatever my circumstances. . . .” Philippians 4:11
I have a friend who takes care of her mother (who doesn’t know her anymore) in every possible way, day in and day out. Her mother never remembers, and God never forgets.
“The King will say . . . , ‘I was hungry, and you gave Me food. I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink. . . . [W]hatever you did for the least . . . , you did for Me.’” Matthew 25:34-35, 40
“I receive Christ in you, and so I must do everything possible to serve you with love.” From one of the desert fathers
Every choice to give thanks in the midst of hard circumstances is a step in the right direction -- from the illusion of being in control to the reality of being carried.
“In everything give thanks. . . .” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
“This doesn't necessarily mean [giving] thanks for the actual circumstances . . . , but in the midst of the circumstances to offer Him thanks -- thanks that He is in control, that He never sleeps, that His motives are pure toward me. . . .” Barbara Brand
A lot of small choices get you into the habit of worrying. You get out of the habit the same way.
Father, every time I am pulled toward worry today, give me the humility to choose confidence in You instead. Tonight I will savor all the small choices and celebrate.
“[C]onfidence in God. . . .” Psalm 78:7
When you see ugliness in yourself, you can either do your best to hide and mask it (even from yourself) or you can bring it into the light (and breathe a sigh of relief).
“Fine words hiding shabby thoughts; a friendly face masking a cold heart; . . . these I confess. . . .” John Baillie
“I no longer covered up my wrongdoing. I said, ‘I will confess. . . .’ Then You lifted and carried away the guilt. . . .” Psalm 32:5
If God were harsh and demanding and everywhere, it would make sense to try to forget His presence. If He were compassionate and comforting and everywhere, it would make sense (always and everywhere) to practice remembering.
“God is here. There is no place, there can be no place, where He is not.” A. W. Tozer
“[T]he Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. . . .” 2 Corinthians 1:3
