Knowing how to be content whether with much or little I think is one of those top-secret ways to living a life full of joy and praise.

This last 12 months, and even when we lived in the states the Lord has taught us (sometimes by force) on what it looks like to live and I mean really live in JOY whether we have little or much. Being here has just cemented it in my soul. I live in a nation where the majority of the population has little…very, very little. So I am, keenly aware of what it looks like. It’s purely our human nature to want more, to never be happy and content with what He has given us. I’ve lived in plenty..even if I didn’t think it was at the time…that’s the sneaky part; you don’t see it as plenty because if you don’t stay grateful for what you have you will crave more of this world and less of Him. I always want to be at the place of needing Him, and knowing that I need Him to fulfill my every need. Whether I bring pennies in or am a millionaire. I never want to forget that all of my needs are met in Him. This world has nothing, literally nothing to offer you. No big bank account, no perfect marriage, no dream vacation, or even having children… nothing will compare to His love and the fullness of what it brings. All of those things are not a negative desire; many things that we desire are a healthy God given desire but it will not make your heart sing like He does.

In this season when I drive a truck that screams “poor girl” I am richer than I have ever been! We are daily thankful for our 20 year old truck that starts up without a hitch! In this season where entertainment is an idea or a memory, my life has never been more exciting. The things I thought I needed He has filled in a different way! He has provided every need while we live out this calling in Asia, a family of six that functions because of peoples generosity! How GOOD is our GOD?! He fills each part of our heart when we fully surrender to Him what is actually His in the first place.

Allowing Him to decide what He puts in my hand and how much has been the most freeing feeling. Not easy, no. It’s a constant game of trusting Him with my life. When I want to shrivel up in fear and run away I choose to walk it out knowing He is good and when you get that into the root of your soul you will walk out your faith in the most real way. Money is not the only thing I am talking about, giving others our time and energy, giving our talents up to be used is often times harder than writing a check. It’s the whole thing though, surrendering what we protect the most whatever that may be to HIM and see what He will do with it!

Open your hand. Hold it out and wait. Wait for Him to put in it what He wants and take out what He says has to go. Close your eyes tight if you have to but keep that hand open. Your life will never be the same.

Philippians 4:11-13New International Version (NIV)

¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹² 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. ¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength.