A Winner and a Confession!

Thank you to all who participated in Monday's giveaway! The prize is an autographed copy of Marja Meijer's book Grace of Giving. I'd encourage you to stop by Marja's blog, Fresh Insights on Ancient Truths, and read her thought-provoking posts.

Without further ado, the winner is...

Lily Robinson! Stop by Lily's delightful blog and be sure to congratulate her!

Confession time. I'm always on the lookout for facial creams that boast anti-aging properties. Not that I have anything against what I've been using. But the scenario goes something like this: I begin to wonder if maybe a different product on the market is THE miracle potion that will erase the pesky fine lines that seem determined to take up residence on my face. With thousands of creams out there, I do a good bit of research before buying anything. Recently, after doing my homework, I found a great deal on a reputable product with a little help from Amazon.

When the package arrived a few days later, I was eager to give the new cream a try. After one day, I noticed some flaky skin under my eyes. The following day I applied the cream to the delicate skin around my eyes and immediately felt a burn. Although I was following the directions, I knew the burning sensation couldn't be good! After re-washing my face, I studied my skin in the mirror. The picture wasn't pretty. The skin around my eyes was red and swollen. And to my horror, the fine lines were magnified many times over.

What I thought would improve my appearance, had caused big problems. Oh, if only I would have been satisfied with the lotion I'd originally been using!

Unfortunately, I often live life with this same type of mentality. Not completely satisfied. I get distracted from the person of God and His will for me, and get caught up in trying to find satisfaction elsewhere. As I move from person to thing, my frustration grows because lasting contentment cannot be found apart from Christ.

The Apostle Paul offers some wise advice to Timothy, "But godliness with contentment is great gain," (1 Timothy 6:6; KJV). I'd be wise to adopt this practice in my life. I can learn volumes from the life of Paul. He encountered extreme difficulties in his life, yet he allowed his experiences to teach him contentment:

"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me, " (Philippians 4:11-13).

Paul learned contentment in life by submitting to Christ, who was then able to strengthen Paul to endure whatever lay ahead.

What about you? Are you constantly on the lookout for something to bring you satisfaction? Or can you say with the Apostle Paul, "...for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content"? Let your relationship with Christ bring you lasting contentment!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive me for looking for contentment anywhere besides You. Thank You for the example of the Apostle Paul who learned to be satisfied in any situation because he relied on You. Help me to focus on You and Your will, knowing that godliness with contentment is great gain. In Jesus' name, Amen.