‘Be content with what you have’  (Hebrews 13:5)

We may not have what we wish, but we certainly have what our God thinks best for us. Every mercy is directed by infinite wisdom and eternal love, and never misses its road, or comes into the possession of any but the persons for whom it is intended.

Let us therefore remember, that our God has chosen our inheritance for us, and it becomes us to be content; indeed, to be very grateful. We have infinitely more than we deserve; we have more than many of our fellow-believers !

We have liberty, while the Apostles were shut up in prison; we have a home, while many of the primitive Christians wandered about in dens and caves of the earth; our lives are protected, while the martyrs were burned at the stake: we live in hope of heaven, while many are lifting up their eyes in hell, being in torments.

Let us strive to be content with present things, and hope for better: let us endeavour to learn Paul’s lesson, “I have learnt the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” And let’s say:

Take my soul and body’s powers,
Take my memory, mind, and will
All my goods, and all my hours,
All I know, and all I feel:
Thine I live, thrice happy I,
Happier still if Thine I die.

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

‘I do trust that my affliction will be deeply sanctified, and that I shall be more useful than ever I have been. The Lord can use and do wonders with a broken vessel. O my God, use me! My soul enjoys a good degree of peace, though I am not free from the conflict. I felt the struggling within, and notwithstanding the Lord’s goodness to my family, I find some things very trying there.’